Tom & Jody’s Story

Site created on November 22, 2021

On Sunday, November 21, 2021, a weekend of celebration in Las Vegas turned tragic for longtime Piper, Kansas residents, Tom & Jody Jochen, as they were involved in a deadly rollover crash. 

They, along with 6 friends, were traveling (in a private, for-hire, SUV with a driver) when they were T-boned, by a drunk driver. He was traveling at 
excessive speeds and ran a red light, causing the vehicle they were in to roll several times and strike a light pole. There were multiple life-altering 
injuries, passengers were trapped and one friend, heartbreakingly, lost her life. Tom had to be extricated from the vehicle.

We are now over nine long months into this ordeal and Tom is slated to return home, Tuesday, August 23d. He is considered a quadriplegic at this point. He's currently unable to move his legs and his right arm but is regaining SOME movement in his left arm. Jody continues to suffer and recover from her lifelong injuries at home. 


Throughout this process, COVID has added to the angst as kids and other family members were not allowed to visit for months at a time. And the health care worker shortage has impacted the quality of their care.

TOM:
-1 month at the University Las Vegas Hospital in the Trauma Unit where he received a pacemaker (we almost lost him twice) then he was air 
   ambulanced to Denver
-3 months were spent at Denver's Craig Hospital (known for their world-class spinal cord injury rehabilitation) where he worked to recover but was
   extremely hampered by a wound that they could not get under control - so much so they had to transfer Tom to PAM Hospital for wound care
- 3 months at PAM Rehabilitation Hospital to heal his skin wound that moved into a bone, ultimately having to undergo surgery for it 
   In addition, during that stay was transferred back and forth to  two different hospitals (one for an emergency and the other for procedures)
- On July 5th he was able to return to Craig (the entire reason we flew him to Denver) with his wound healed but if you can believe it with a NEW
   the wound on his foot that they never acknowledged or treated, so maddening

JODY:
-1 month at University Las Vegas Hospital, starting in the Trauma Unit, just two doors down from Tom and four from their friend Susan. And the
  drunk driver a few beds away Then was transferred to PAM Rehabilitation in Las Vegas
- While Tom's injuries are far more extensive, Jody may look fine but injuries are plaguing her
- Continues to suffer and recover from her lifelong injuries at home plus she remembers the accident
- Feel people do not fully realize what she is going through as she puts on a brave face and puts Tom and the kids first 
- Plus the stress of trying to be in three places at once, it's all on her shoulders, the kids, the bills, reworking their house, the insurance, and so on
- Just July 20th, she was finally able to get a neurologist to take her case  (to even get an appointment she had to withhold that she was in a car 
   accident) until she got face-to-face with him in his office
- She is going through a series of MRIs and tests for her pain and numbness

THE DRUNK DRIVER:
The drunk driver has been sentenced to 6-20 years and 1-5 years for the various charges,  We've arrived at the conclusion nobody wins in this 
situation. The sentencing day was heartwrenching.

Ways to help financially. Tom and Jody's insurance only covers a fraction of their care, this is magnified as they were out of network.  They will need a special van to accommodate Tom's chair, Jody and the kids had to move from their 20+ year home to a ranch-style house that is now in the process of being retrofitted to be accessible. And to top it off neither are able to work at this point.
1) DONATE DIRECTLY TO UNION BANK FUND (no additional fees apply):
- Venmo: @Jochen-Fund-4 (last 4 phone digits: 6056) or
- Mail a check to 'The Jochen Family Donation' Union Bank P.O. Box 82535, Lincoln, NE 68501
- Jody and Tom have direct access to this account

The Caring Bridge "HOME" page defaults to the most recent entry, follow the chain to catch up on previous posts. 
 
We cannot tell you how much we appreciate your ongoing support. We are in the midst of a life-changing journey. Thank you for your care and 
concern. ❤

Newest Update

August 23, 2023

Journal entry by Becky Fulmer —

Day 640...One Year Ago - Tom Arrived Back to Piper (trying not to ramble)

One year ago today, accompanied by his lifelong friend Brian Smith, Tom returned from Denver's Craig Hospital.

Here's one of the news stories that ran...(copy and paste into browser)                                                            https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kansas-city-kansas-man-returns-home-9-months-after-accident-in-las-vegas

Can you imagine going to Las Vegas for a fun weekend, only to return home (nine months later)? But not to the familiar place you left, the one packed with 20+ years of memories. Instead, you pull up to a completely new address. Not to mention you need to roll through the doorway, not walk through it. This is the Jochen's reality.

We are forever grateful to: Kim Brown for tirelessly helping Jody find a home that could be made accessible. And to the faithful crew who helped with the move and made their house liveable with a major remodel made possible by donations and sweat equity from thoughtful friends and family. 

Tom was originally to travel with a nurse who'd stay with the family for one week to coach and ensure the transition was smooth. However, at the last minute, Craig pulled the rug out from under Jody. The hospital didn't even send the right equipment. So disappointing considering Craig's reputation as a world-class hospital. 

Jody was scared, we were all scared... except Tom. 

Fast forward to today --

  • TOM:  Is a quadriplegic (for now) with the best of attitudes. Yesterday, he finally had his first physical therapy, since the end of April. He only has 20 valuable days left-- a fraction of what he needs. Insurance does not begin to cover his recovery. The drunk who caused the accident was underinsured and the car for hire (they were riding in) was improperly insured.     
  • JODY: Has put everyone before her and is awaiting approval for physical therapy.  Just as Tom is, she's an inspiration! On top of it all, she now needs to look for a NEW job (after 20 years with a great and supportive company she loves).
  • CHLOE: Is starting her college career at KU.  Tom, Jody, and Carson were able to get her moved in fairly smoothly and she has logged in three days of classes and loves it so far). We are hoping that trend continues! She is greatly missed at home. We are grateful she is surrounded by great friends, fellow KU'ers: Reese, Chase, Madi and Riley.
  • CARSON: Is kicking off eighth grade with a great attitude along with some big goals. He is a godsend to us all and especially to Jody and Tom as they work to fill the void left by Chlo's move. He is a heartbreaker, smart, kind-hearted and funny. He seems much older than his 13 years.
  • THIS FAMILY'S ABILITY TO COPE AND KEEP GOING IS AMAZING.

We cannot thank Nick Jennings enough who has continued to help Tom transition from his bed to chair. No words, just none. Plus he's worked to find some others who may be able to help. It takes about 10-15 minutes and Jody just needs someone to assist. They have it down to a science. 

Same with Ashley Mizell who has also sent some people Tom and Jody's way. THANK YOU! 

Think of Gina and her family daily...and all those involved and their great support.

AND SO WE GO ON...

Read More of the journal titled "August 23, 2023"
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