Imagine waking up to a world that’s moved on without you.

This is the story of Jennifer Flewellen, a 41-year-old from Niles, Michigan, who miraculously laughed her way out of a nearly five-year coma.

Her journey began with a car crash and a mother’s unwavering hope.

As Jennifer lay motionless, her mother, Peggy Means, shared a joke that sparked an incredible reaction.

Jennifer laughed, a sound that signaled the beginning of her long road to recovery.

Peggy Means recalls the moment vividly, describing it as a dream come true.

“When she woke up, it scared me at first because she was laughing and she had never done that,” she tells PEOPLE.

This laughter was a beacon of hope, opening a door that had been closed for years, reuniting mother and daughter in a profound way.

Jennifer’s awakening in August 2022 was just the start.

She faced the immense challenge of regaining her speech and mobility, having been in a state where time stood still.

Her family started a GoFundMe campaign to support her needs, including a handicap van and home modifications.

Jennifer’s progress was slow but steady, marked by small victories like nodding and staying awake for longer periods.

Dr. Ralph Wang, Jennifer’s physician at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, emphasizes the rarity of her case.

“This is so rare,” he says.

“Not just waking up, but making progress. Maybe 1-2% of patients wake up and make progress this far out.”

Jennifer’s determination shone through, especially during a memorable moment in October when she attended her youngest son Julian’s senior night football game, cheering him on from the sidelines.

Julian, who was just 11 when his mom fell into a coma, felt the significance of that moment deeply.

“She was my biggest supporter,” he says.

“So to have my biggest supporter back on the sidelines cheering me on, it was a surreal moment.”

This event also led to Jennifer securing additional therapy through Mary Free Bed, a local rehabilitation hospital.

In a PEOPLE video interview, Jennifer, now more animated, communicates through nods and sits almost upright in her hospital bed.

Her journey began on a seemingly ordinary morning in September 2017.

After dropping her sons off at school, Jennifer’s life changed forever when her car hit a utility pole.

She remained in a coma for almost five years, with her mother Peggy by her side, hoping for a response.

The moment Jennifer responded was captured on video and shared with family and friends.

Julian’s visit to the hospital brought an emotional recognition.

“I told her I was Juju and her eyes lit up like, ‘Wow, it’s my Juju bean,'” he recalls.

Learning about the time she missed, including her sons’ milestones, was heartbreaking for Jennifer.

Peggy played an audio book to Jennifer during her recovery, describing a woman’s experience in a coma as peaceful and calming.

This resonated with Jennifer, who expressed similar feelings.

Despite skepticism from friends and hospital staff, Peggy persisted in advocating for her daughter’s therapy, leading to significant progress.

Jennifer’s recovery journey is ongoing, with goals like taking steps, feeding herself, and improving communication.

Dr. Wang and Peggy are optimistic about her potential.

A GoFundMe campaign supports her recovery expenses, and Jennifer, filled with determination, is ready to take on the world.

“I am,” she confidently replies when told she looks ready for anything.

To learn more about Jennifer’s miraculous story watch the video below.