Jilda A. Cunningham
Corrections Support Personnel
February of 2025 Jilda suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), “mini-stroke”, on her way to work. The entire right side of her body became paralyzed, she lost vision in her right eye and the ability to speak. After nine days of testing and numerous medications in
the hospital she was released only to suffer a second TIA four hours later. Jilda is a single mother of two, exhausted all her medical leave and was on unpaid status through much of her slow recovery. Jilda is now back to work, but all of the medical care bills has caused her to incur significant debt.
James V DeFago III
LE Lieutenant
After not feeling well for a few days James went to the hospital where he was admitted. He was diagnosed with a necrotic gallbladder and became septic. James was induced into a medical coma and his gallbladder removed. Soon after surgery James health declined;
emergency intubation and suffered cardiac arrest twice for nearly 5 minutes. James suffered two collapsed lungs which began to clot and was now in renal and kidney failure, after receiving a blood transfusion James never regained consciousness. James was placed on life support; his wife and three children were now faced with the grim prognosis. Miraculously James slowly awakened and was able to go home.
Felicia L Everett-Harvey
Corrections Support Personnel
March of 2025 Felicia underwent a routine procedure; once awake the doctor advised her they had trouble intubating her and should seek follow-up care. She learned there was a 70% blockage in her airway and diagnosed with Laryngeal amyloidosis. May of 2025,
Felicia had surgery to remove the scar tissue, the physician was unable to remove enough and it resulted in a tracheostomy. Felicia still needs to undergo surgery for the original procedure that lead to the blockage discovery on top of having to finalize further treatment
for the new diagnosis.
Thomas P Jordan
Corrections Deputy Sheriff
In December of 2024 Thomas had a heart attack; while in route to the hospital Deputy Jordan suffered a second heart attack in the ambulance. For a week Deputy Jordan was in ICU and in a coma; eventually being released with a pacemaker and defibrillator in his
chest. Deputy Jordan has not been able to work since the incident and his wife has had to take time off to care for him; making it hard to meet basic financial responsibilities.
Kristie A Petenbrink
Production Records Specialist
Kristie was diagnosed with Triple-negative breast cancer in September of 2024. Having to complete chemo therapy and major surgery to remove cancer site breast tissue; it has left Kristie unable to work and has exhausted all of her accumulated sick leave. Down to one income it has made travel and treatment expenses extremely difficult for this family.
Bridgette L Trawick
Human Resources Analyst
January of 2025, Bridgette suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke. The intensive rehabilitation has not made it possible for her to return to work. Many services and medical equipment needed for her recovery are not fully covered by insurance. The financial strain is taking its toll on the ability to continue to provide the level of care necessary for Bridgette.