Update: Jessica Bednark Needs Our Help

On Saturday at 12:30 PM, professional MMA fighter Jessica Bednark went to St. Cloud Boxing and Wrestling Club for an open sparring session. A seasoned fighter with a record of 5-2, Bednark was training for a June 12th fight against Adrienna “AJ” Jenkins.

When Bednark took her gloves and head gear off, she told gym owner Scott Kelm that her legs felt like jelly. She lay down and shut her eyes.  When Kelm noticed that her breathing was shallow, he called 911. Bednark’s boyfriend, Jay Gould, said that the ambulance then noticed that one pupil was larger than the other, an indication of brain trauma. A catscan indicated a ruptured artery in Jessica’s brain.  ”Whether it came from a vital blow or swelling on the brain, we don’t know,” Kelm said.

As originally reported on WFighter.com, Bednark went in for emergency surgery at 3:30 on Saturday afternoon and had part of her skull removed. She remains in ICU in a medically-induced coma.

Jessica, who does not have any health insurance, needs our help and donations. An account for donations is being set up. Until then, Derek Gould (Jessica’s boyfriend’s brother) is collecting donations. Many sources close to the fighter verify this information is accurate and that the donations will, indeed, be used for Jessica’s medical bills. Please be generous and hit your sponsors up as well. Derek Gould can be contacted at derekwgould@yahoo.com, and donations can be sent to 15824 Neon St. NW, Ramsey, MN 55303. A paypal account has been set up for Jessica, and paypal donations can be sent to helpforjessica@twincities.mn.

Update: Jessica’s boyfriend Jay Gould reports that “everything is going as well as planned, so far.” Jessica had a catscan this morning, and her brain was where doctors hoped it would be. She is scheduled to have the piece of her skull put back in at 10:30 tomorrow morning, after which the doctors will try to wake her up.

Update (5/28/09): Jessica is now moving. She can sit up and open her eyes, respond to her name, etc. She knows who everyone is, remembers birthdates and other relevant information. Her breathing tube and pressure monitor to her brain have been removed. The doctors are waiting until she is awake for 48 hours for her to gain full consciousness before putting the piece of her skull back in.

Please keep the donations coming and stay tuned for further updates on Jessica’s medical status, which will be posted as available.