Why are we doing this?
Monday 25th Aug
Fundraiser for Jessica Simpson in Support of the Irish Heart Foundation
On the 20th of March this year, my sister Jessica’s life changed suddenly when she suffered a right ischemic cerebellar stroke. The stroke affected the right side of her body, leaving her unable to write (as she is right-handed), type and unable to walk without support.
Before her stroke, Jessica was a truly independent person with a great love for life. She was always travelling (we never knew what country she would pop up in next), attending theatre shows, concerts and enjoying a busy social life. To suddenly find herself in a wheelchair, spending two weeks in hospital (much of it in a high-dependency unit), was a huge challenge.
But Jessica is a fighter. After being discharged into rehabilitation, she faced her recovery head-on. With determination and the support of physiotherapists and occupational therapists at Beaumont hospital, she spent the next 8–10 weeks learning to walk by herself, write and type again and to rebuild her independence.
Thanks to her resilience and perseverance, Jessica is now returning to the things she loves most.
A huge part of Jessica’s recovery has been the support of the Irish Heart Foundation. Through their Young Stroke Survivors Network, Jessica has been able to connect with others through a WhatsApp group, weekly fitness classes in Dublin, and regular coffee and social meet-ups.
The Irish Heart Foundation also provides counselling, access to a nurse helpline, and courses on mindfulness, returning to work, and more.
This has made an incredible difference—not just in Jessica’s recovery, but in helping her feel connected, supported, and hopeful.
The Irish Heart Foundation provides all of these services free of charge, relying entirely on donations to continue their vital work.
Our family is so grateful for the support they’ve given Jessica, and we would greatly appreciate any contribution you can make to this fundraiser in her name.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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