How an Iowa Woman Beat the Odds After a Devastating Hand Injury?
In April 2022, Jennifer Meese-Cherry experienced a life-changing accident while using a table saw. Her glove got caught in the blade, pulling her hand in and nearly severing three fingers. Initially, she was told amputation was the likely outcome. But determined to explore every option, Jennifer sought a second opinion and was transferred to Nebraska Medical Center — a decision that changed everything.
Orthopaedic surgeon and hand specialist Dr. Joseph Morgan performed a highly complex seven-hour surgery to save her fingers. The injuries were extensive: severed arteries, tendons, and nerves, fractured bones, and massive tissue loss. One of the most innovative aspects of her surgery was the use of cadaver nerves to replace her own — a technique not commonly available outside of major academic medical centers. She also underwent a “cross-finger flap” procedure, where two fingers were temporarily sewn together to allow healthy skin to grow and cover the damaged site.
The road to recovery was just as intense as the surgery. Jennifer required several additional operations and a long course of occupational therapy focused on retraining hand movement, restoring tendon function, and regaining strength. One of her biggest cheerleaders was her wife, Hayley, who worked from home to support her every step of the way. Her niece kept her spirits high with creative bandage artwork, and therapists at Nebraska Medicine provided specialized hand therapy to rebuild function.
Today, Jennifer has regained impressive mobility. Although she deals with occasional sensitivity and grip challenges — and has had to give up playing guitar — she approaches life with humor and gratitude. Her advice to others: “Follow your doctor’s orders to a T,” and, “It hurts because you’re getting better.”
For Dr. Morgan, Jennifer’s journey represents the best of what expert care and personal resilience can achieve. “To nearly lose three fingers and now have this level of function — that’s nothing short of phenomenal.”