Influencer Jackie Miller wakes up from one-month coma

The 35-year-old California-based influencer, Jackie Miller James, was fighting for her life in an intensive care unit after suffering a ruptured aneurysm when she was just a week away from having a baby. After one month of a chemically induced coma, her family said she has woken up.

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Without giving too many details, her family posted the good news on Jackie's popular Instagram account. They said she's awake, moved to a rehabilitation hospital, has been healing faster than expected but still has "an incredibly long road to recovery ahead of her."

Photo: jaxandrose / Instagram

According to her GoFundMe page, Jackie’s husband Austin found her collapsed following the aneurysm and rushed her to the emergency room. Jackie and her baby arrived at the hospital just in time, both at risk of losing their lives.

Photo: jaxandrose / Instagram

Once she arrived at the hospital, Jackie underwent an emergency C-section and brain surgery simultaneously. A baby girl was delivered, but due to the trauma of her birth, she had to stay in the neonatal ICU for 12 days.

Photo: jaxandrose / Instagram

The beauty influencer had a total of five brain procedures and was put in a medically induced coma. “Jackie is continuing to fight for her life each day and we are optimistic she can beat the odds by surrounding her with the right specialists and methods of therapy,” said her sisters on a GoFundMe page asking for help.

Image: GoFundMe / Support Jackie’s Long Road to Recovery

Despite Jackie's severe illness and long recovery, her family posted that her "baby girl is a constant source of light for the entire family and continues to grow into a happy, healthy and animated little angel," and that the baby and Jackie spend "a great deal of each day with her entire family while in the hospital."

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In a post before the hospitalization, Jackie had shared how amazing her 30s were and how happy she was moving on her own timeline. She had just become a successful content creator, gotten married, and was overjoyed to be expecting her first baby. “God was just waiting for me to be ready. Trust the process and know that your 30s are where it’s at!” she wrote.

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In the days leading up to her brain aneurysm rupture, Jackie had posted about several pregnancy symptoms she said she was not expecting.

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She complained of “insane pressure” that caused her to snore loudly, “insane swelling around ankles and toes,” carpal tunnel in her hands, bolts of nerve pain around her nether region, uncontrolled emotions, insomnia, and easily becoming short of breath.

Photo: jaxandrose / Instagram

Sharing her journey, she also discussed some of the unpleasant symptoms that surfaced in the second trimester, which included bleeding gums, discomfort in the pelvic area, terrible congestion, hormonal changes, dry and itchy scalp, and a metallic taste in her mouth.

Photo: jaxandrose / Instagram

According to the Mayo Clinic, brain aneurysms are common, but most aren’t that serious because they are small and don’t rupture. The most common symptom of a ruptured aneurysm is a severe headache. The Cleveland Clinic says around 50% of people die within three months of the rupture due to complications, and of the survivors, 66% have permanent brain damage.

While ruptures haven’t typically been linked to pregnancy, a European 2020 review of studies found that the physiological changes seen in pregnancy "likely elevate the risk of intracranial aneurysm formation, growth, and rupture."

While Jackie never mentioned a diagnosis, many of her fans heard about her symptoms and suggested she may have been suffering from preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Some of its symptoms include swelling, shortness of breath, and pain in the upper belly.

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In 2021, there were 32.9 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Maternal death is defined as the death of a woman from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy. In high-income nations overall, the figure is 12 deaths per 100,000 births, while in low-income countries, the figure is at 430 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

Jackie’s sisters set up a GoFundMe to help fund the influencer’s care. “In addition to what insurance can cover, the family has been advised to expect significant outside costs related to speech therapy, physical therapy, home modifications, and alternative therapies once we realize the severity of her deficits,” said the GoFundMe page.

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Jackie’s supporters have come through for her, donating more than $268,000 for the beautiful blonde’s recovery, surpassing the $250,000 goal. Several fans donated $5,000 each. In the update, her family said they are using the money to give Jackie "the very best care and every chance at recovery."

Photo: jaxandrose / Instagram

Jackie is a highly popular beauty influencer, primarily sharing tips on skin, hair, love, life, and fashion. Her approach is honest and raw, and she's one of the few beauty gurus to take fans into the doctor’s office for Botox injections and fillers. She also speaks openly of her insecurities.

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In an interview with Modeliste Magazine, she shared that she used to be a professional backup dancer, working in New York for five years. However, a terrible back injury at age 25 completely derailed her career.

Photo: jaxandrose / Instagram

When Jackie fell ill, her family began updating fans and supporters on her social media to spread the word. In the post sharing that Jackie had woke up, the family said that they will no longer post. "Going forward, Jackie will be the one to share any further updates."

Image: jaxandrose / Instagram