Jody’s Story

Site created on November 16, 2018

As many of you may have heard by now, Jody suffered severe burns as he made sure he and the kids got out of their house when it had become engulfed in flames on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018.  After being stabilized at the local hospital, Jody was rushed to Regions Hospital's nationally acclaimed Burn Center. Jody is now receiving treatment at Regions, and it is anticipated that he will need to remain there for the next few weeks.


Jody sustained burns on both arms (from fingertips to elbows), and on both feet (toes to ankles). Additionally, there are secondary burns to his face and head. While there are many unknowns at this time, we do know that his recovery will be slow and much more a marathon than a sprint. We also know that his recovery will continue beyond his eventual discharge from Regions.


There have already been so many expressions of love, concern, support that it's beyond obvious that the Testabergs are a beloved group of people.  We also are aware that many will want to follow Jody and his family on this journey, thus we've set up this page. Our intention is that members of the Testaberg Village  will post updates here as they are possible/available.


Jody and Abbie are so grateful and humbled by the support of friends, family, and the community that has already surrounded them. The greater Testaberg family is as well. 


With immense gratitude,


Angie (Abbie's sister)

Newest Update

Journal entry by Testaberg Village

Here is an update Abbie put together yesterday on Facebook that we also wanted to post here for those not on the FB:

 Jody Testaberg has surgery today (Friday) to graft skin over the INTEGRA that was placed November 20th. His burns were on both forearms and hands and both feet to the ankles. His left arm/hand and foot had the most significant burns. He is showing good motion in all but his left foot. The surgeon has optimistic hope for full functionality in all extremities by the time they are done with patching him together, and with a good run of healing and therapy. If everything continues to go well, he will get to leave the hospital mid-next week. Despite considerable ongoing pain and some anxiety, Jody is doing well. The fire-event feels like just a few days ago, but looking at a calendar we realize it has been a few weeks now. The kids are doing very well, and visit Jody often. We continue to be humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support our family, friends and community have given us. I'll be honest that I have not even been able to fully consider all the donations and supportive gestures due to keeping my head above water as a wife, mom, and business owner. As things settle back into the newest normal for us, I will do my due diligence to properly take-in and express gratitude for everything everyone has done. The kids and Jody love to do a "crispy french fries" greeting and goodbye...the nurses think it is perfectly dark humor for the Burn Unit and get quite a chuckle. I'd like to wrap our village in a huge hug-blanket of thanks. Please know your love and support is felt and so greatly appreciated. Long update because I'm not sure how to get into CaringBridge yet. I'll have Angie Bowen show me going forward. Jody Testaberg has surgery today (Friday) to graft skin over the INTEGRA that was placed November 20th. His burns were on both forearms and hands and both feet to the ankles. His left arm/hand and foot had the most significant burns. He is showing good motion in all but his left foot. The surgeon has optimistic hope for full functionality in all extremities by the time they are done with patching him together, and with a good run of healing and therapy. If everything continues to go well, he will get to leave the hospital mid-next week. Despite considerable ongoing pain and some anxiety, Jody is doing well. The fire-event feels like just a few days ago, but looking at a calendar we realize it has been a few weeks now. The kids are doing very well, and visit Jody often. We continue to be humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support our family, friends and community have given us. I'll be honest that I have not even been able to fully consider all the donations and supportive gestures due to keeping my head above water as a wife, mom, and business owner. As things settle back into the newest normal for us, I will do my due diligence to properly take-in and express gratitude for everything everyone has done. The kids and Jody love to do a "crispy french fries" greeting and goodbye...the nurses think it is perfectly dark humor for the Burn Unit and get quite a chuckle. I'd like to wrap our village in a huge hug-blanket of thanks. Please know your love and support is felt and so greatly appreciated. 
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