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Woman with lifelong health challenges steps up to care for her mother

Jennifer Zelez steps up to care for her mother
Jennifer Zelez gets surprised for 13 Days and Knights of Giving
Posted at 11:52 AM, Dec 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-11 11:37:13-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Jennifer Zelezhas struggled with her health since before birth.

While her mom was pregnant with her, she had multiple strokes. She is deaf and suffers from grand mal seizures. Although she graduated high school, got married and had a child, her cognitive function has deteriorated over the years.

“In many ways, her thinking is like a child’s thinking and then you’ll just see amazing adult thinking and behavior," said Coleen Humble, Jennifer's mom.

Now in middle age, Jennifer has spent much of her life being cared for but over the last year, Coleen had two major surgeries. The caregiver needing care herself. Jennifer stepped up in an incredible way.

“I help her a lot - feed her. I asked her, ‘do you need anything? Do you need anything?’ She said, ‘no, I’m fine.’ Sometimes she’d say, ‘yes,'" said Zelez.

“She did the laundry, cleaned the house, helped me so much without even complaining. I think she was delighted to be the caregiver for once in her life," said Humble.

Coleen wants something simple for her daughter: recognition.

“She thinks that people don’t even notice her but I keep on telling her that she’s amazing, beautiful, she’s so sweet. She’s our angel and the kindest person," said Humble.

Zelez was surprised for our 13 Days and Knights of Giving with a financial gift from the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation.

13 Days and Knights of Giving is sponsored by the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, Subaru of Las Vegas and America First Credit Union.