Jackie Miller James Returns to Instagram 11 Months After Health Crisis as Family Shares Expressive Aphasia Diagnosis
In a touching video, the influencer — who suffered a life-threatening aneurysm when she was 9 months pregnant — thanked fans for their support
Eleven months after her health crisis, beauty influencer Jackie Miller James is feeling grateful — and taking fans along as she continues to recover from a life-threatening aneurysm.
On Tuesday James posted a brief video to her Instagram thanking her followers for their "love and support" over the past year.
"We have been in hospitals from California to Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas ... it's been a tough year, but ready to go home after 10 months recovery," said James, whose sisters started a GoFundMe last year to help "secure the highest level of care" for her. "There is more work to be done, but because of friends and family and this community, we're ready to start living again. I'll be sharing my journey and recovery, but to the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Related: Jackie Miller James' Family Shares Update on Influencer’s Recovery 7 Months After Aneurysm Rupture
Last summer James was hospitalized while nine months pregnant with her daughter, Knoxly Rose, who arrived following an emergency C-section after the content creator was rushed to the emergency room and underwent brain surgery.
James' family, including her husband Austin James, confirms in a statement to PEOPLE that the content creator — who suffered a stroke and seizures following the aneurysm rupture — has been diagnosed with expressive aphasia.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the condition can be brought on by stroke or head injury and affects the ability to speak fluently.
Following a four-week stay in the intensive care unit in Orange County, California, James was moved to an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility in Colorado where she received daily physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Leading up to her return to Instagram, James worked closely with a speech therapist for six weeks to overcome communication obstacles and speak directly with her followers, adds her family.
While she's come a long way, the influencer will still require "extensive therapy" not covered by medical insurance as she continues another year of rehabilitation.
According to her loved ones, James has found "constant strength and support in her enduring bond" with Knoxly and hopes to be a "source of hope" for others facing similar ordeals as she continues to share her story.
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Read the original article on People.