The family of a social media influencer who gave birth in a coma in May has shared that the new mom is now awake. Jackie Miller James, 35, was nine months pregnant with her daughter, Knoxly Rose, when she suffered a brain aneurysm. Doctors performed a C-section and life-saving brain surgery, and James was put into a medically induced coma.
James, who creates lifestyle content on Instagram, shared her pregnancy journey on the social media platform for months leading up to the delivery of her first child. Her final post on May 18 shared that she was in her final days of pregnancy and clearly thrilled to meet Knoxly Rose. Instead of a follow-up post holding her daughter, the family shared details of her medical emergency and hope that she would recover. It seems prayers were answered.
More from CafeMom: Britney Spears' Psychiatrist Dies Weeks Before Conservatorship Case
James' husband found her.
Her sister, Natalie Miller, created a GoFundMe page detailing the sudden health emergency. According to Miller, James was rushed to the hospital after her husband, Austin, discovered her right after the aneurysm ruptured, which happened one week before her due date. Upon arrival, doctors began a simultaneous operation to repair the aneurysm and to deliver her baby.
She was in a medically induced coma for weeks, and Knoxly Rose spent 12 days in the NICU recovering. The family posted a heart-wrenching photo of the mother and daughter's first meeting.
"If Jackie and the baby arrived a few minutes later at the hospital, we likely would have lost both of them. But instead, Jackie is continuing to fight for her life each day and we are optimistic she can beat the odds by surrounding her with the right specialists and methods of therapy," the GoFundMe post reads. "While the road will be long, we are committed to bringing Jackie home to her daughter and husband."
The GoFundMe campaign raised a tremendous amount of money.
In just a month, the account to support James' care has raised more than $330,000 and continues to grow. Her family thanked supporters on her Instagram page, pointing out how everyone loved James.
"The immense outpouring of love, support and generosity from family, friends, followers and strangers has been wildly touching and meaningful for our family. Once Jackie is awake, we know this community will be a source of strength for our sister. Jackie is the kindest, funniest, most caring, and special soul … she deserves to be a mom," her sisters wrote. "Her daughter needs to know her. Her husband needs to hold her. Jackie was so excited to be a mom and start a family, and we are determined to help her fulfill that dream."
Miraculously, James woke up.
Her family announced Sunday that the mom is awake and at "one of the best neurological rehabilitation hospitals in the country." Her doctors are reportedly pleased with her recovery, and she continues to make progress.
"Jackie is making wonderful strides, she has an incredibly long road to recovery ahead of her. The prayers, love, and support from this community are more important than ever as she continues to heal," her family wrote on Instagram. "Jackie & Austin's baby girl is a constant source of light for the entire family and continues to grow into a happy, healthy, animated little angel. Jackie has also recently been reunited with her baby, and spends a great deal of each day with her entire family while in the hospital."
The family explained this will be the last update until James can share on her own.
Because James has a challenging recovery ahead, her family said they want to respect her privacy.
"Going forward, Jackie will be the one to share any further updates across her platforms (in her own unique way) if and when she is ready. Thanking each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued love," the post ended. "We are eternally grateful for this strong community that continues to support our girl."
More from CafeMom: Breastfeeding Mom Pumping Hours After Open-Heart Surgery Is the Definition of Badass
Supporters continue to share their love for the mom and her family.
The GoFundMe's goal is now $450,000, and it continues to gain support each day.
"As a survivor myself and with a daughter Jackie's age, I am sending positive thoughts to your entire family," one commenter shared. "Online emotional support from others and information is available at the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, which helped me incredibly during a very difficult time."
"She deserves all the luck and help in the world to get back home to her baby girl! Mummy's are made of strong stuff! You've got this!" another donor wrote.
"I just became a momma myself, and am heartbroken for her. I hope she makes a full recovery. ❤️," a new mom commented.
