Hello all. This is Jennifer’s Mom. I wanted to share with you my nomination of Jennifer for Good Morning America’s “Breakfast in Bed” contest by Emeril Lagassee. Although my entry was not selected, I’m sure you’ll all agree...she deserved it.

Speaking of Love: Jennifer

Though she is barely five feet tall, my daughter, Jennifer, is a giant of a woman. From the time she was young, we watched as Jennifer reached out to help others.
o At ten, acting alone, she collected money for the starving children in Ethiopia.
o At 12, she applied to volunteer at a local nursing home. Though underage, Jennifer convinced administrators she could do the job. And she did.
o After graduating, Jennifer worked as a medical social worker caring for AIDS patients. She fed them, bathed them, and sometimes held them as they lay dying.

Working at UNC Hospital in 2003, Jennifer met and married Martin Ruef, a sociology professor. Martin soon accepted a position with Stanford University; before long, Princeton came calling and they returned to the East Coast.

Shortly, Jennifer’s biggest dream came true – she was pregnant! The couple joyfully announced that “Dinky” (pet name for their unborn baby) would arrive in April 2005. In February, there was a devastating development. An ultrasound revealed a rare condition in which Dinky’s esophagus was not attached to his stomach, and Jennifer was admitted to Robert Woods Johnson Hospital where she had an emergency C-section. Dinky weighed 2 pounds, 2 ounces. Within hours, he underwent surgery to repair a fistula, and this would be just the first of five major surgical procedures. After two months at RWJ, Dinky transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for heart surgery.

Dinky remained on a ventilator for four months. Every day, Jennifer (and Martin when he could) made the hour’s drive from their home in Princeton to CHOP. Many days and nights while Dinky struggled for survival, they remained by his side. She did her own research and advocated for their baby. The doctors and nurses quickly learned to trust her instincts.

For these long months, life was a roller coaster as Jennifer and Martin were buoyed by an encouraging report one minute, and dashed seconds later by a new life-threatening issue. Undaunted, Jennifer faithfully maintained a blog to keep friends and family informed of Dinky’s progress. It was amazing to watch as a strong, supportive community developed from among the people who daily posted words of encouragement. This community learned a lot from Jennifer, Martin, and Dinky about the true meaning of love and courage.

After eight long months, Dinky finally stabilized and went home in September. Jennifer will be the first to tell you motherhood is her greatest joy. When Dinky laughs, she laughs; when he cries, she comforts. All the time, she just plain loves.

He still has a feeding tube and will be taught to take oral feedings. The journey is not done, and there are many, many unanswered questions about his future. About one thing, there is absolutely no question: Jennifer Moody Ruef, though barely five feet tall, is a giant of a woman, and our sweet Dinky (Edison Gregory Ruef) has one extraordinary mom.

With love to Jennifer, Martin and Dinky on Valentine’s Day.
Mom