Lower Teacher Makes ‘Great Strides,’ After Collapse, Hospitalization

NORTH CAPE MAY – The 28-year-old elementary school physical education teacher who suffered several strokes in February has “made great strides” in his recovery at a rehabilitation facility. 
Also, 973 people have contributed to a GoFundMe campaign for the teacher, raising $94,604 as of March 26.
Jerry Griffin collapsed at a local gym Feb. 26. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital, Camden, where the medical team found a blood clot at the stem of his brain, blocking blood flow to his brain causing multiple strokes. He was released from the hospital for rehabilitation about two weeks ago.
According to Griffin’s sister, Alison Griffin Woolfort, Griffin “has made great strides in his recovery. His trach was removed, and he’s talking,” she said in a recent update. “His diet was just upgraded to regular consistency as well.
“His swallow study revealed silent aspiration (when food or liquids are swallowed poorly and go into the lungs by mistake), so he has been working with speech therapy on different strategies when swallowing liquids to avoid any potential complications,” she noted. “His feeding tube remains, but he no longer receives nutrition through it, so hopefully that will be the next thing he can check off his list.”
Woolfort said her brother has been working “really hard” in therapy, always pushing himself to do more.
“He is now able to dress himself and continues to walk with weight-bearing assistance from his therapists,” she said. “I watched him stand up for the first time by himself, and I have to say it was pretty amazing.
“I also watched him wheel himself in the wheelchair approximately 100 feet,” she added. “His left side is weak. However, it continues to get stronger each day. This past Thursday (March 23) Jerry enjoyed playing a few rounds of blackjack during casino night (at rehab).
“Today (March 25), he went outside and soaked up some sunshine and enjoyed the fresh air, the first time since Feb. 26,” she said. “He still has a long way to go, but his progress has been incredible to date. We want to thank everyone for their continued support.”
Anyone wanting to donate to Griffin’s campaign can do so through the GoFundMe campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/jerrygriffin or by sending a check in his name to Lower Cape May Regional High School. 
To contact Karen Knight, email kknight@cmcherald.com.