Last updated: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Jillian remains critically ill in the ICU and has an amazing team of medical professionals caring for her around the clock.
What we know right now:
Jillian has an infection in her bloodstream that has traveled to the bone in her chest, specifically her sternum.
Eventually, she will need surgery — possibly more than one procedure — to clean out the infection in the bone. Before that can happen, her medical team needs additional imaging to better understand the extent of the infection and determine exactly what will be required. Right now, Jillian is not in a position to undergo such a significant surgery, so the focus remains on treating the infection and getting her stronger and more stable.
Our family is incredibly grateful that we are here and that Jillian is receiving this level of specialized care. While she remains critically ill and there is still a long road ahead, she is surrounded by an incredible medical team, our family, and so much love and support.
Please continue to keep Jillian in your thoughts and prayers. 💛
Last updated: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 9:40 AM
Next update will be posted after 12:00 PM.
Update schedule
September 21, 2026
Holding onto hope
Today was a long and difficult day in the ICU. Jillian continues to fight this infection with everything she has. Many medical teams are still gathering information and carefully evaluating her condition.
Sadly, she is not yet stable enough for the surgery she needs to address the infected bone in her sternum.
With prayer, tomorrow is another day. We continue to hold onto hope and ask everyone to keep Jillian and her family in their thoughts and prayers.
September 21, 2026
Jillian is receiving care in the MICU
Jillian was brought to Kent Hospital on Friday and admitted directly to the ICU after testing positive for an infection. She initially responded quickly to antibiotics.
Sadly, her condition changed rapidly the following day. Her care team placed a breathing tube to protect her airway while they evaluated the full extent of her illness.
With her entire family present, the decision was made to transfer Jillian to a hospital equipped to provide the higher level of care she needed, including the possibility of surgery. She is now in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Beth Israel in Boston, where specialists are fully evaluating her condition and treating the sepsis.
Please continue to hold Jillian and everyone who loves her close in your thoughts and prayers.
