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Cookeville tornado victim still in hospital, doesn't know family members died

Jen Curtis lost her son, husband and nanny in the devastating tornadoes that hit Middle Tennessee on March 2. She still hasn't recovered or heard the worst news.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Tuesday, April 7 is the deadline for those impacted by the Middle Tennessee tornadoes to file for emergency financial assistance through the Red Cross.

More than a month since that devastating day, people are still suffering.

One of those families is the Curtis family of Cookeville.

Terry Curtis, his young son, Dawson, and their nanny, Amanda Cole, all died when a tornado ripped through their home on March 2.

"The Curtis family has been mine and my husband's best friends for years. That's actually how I met my husband," family friend Parrish Burgess said in March.

We met Burgess in March at the site where the Curtis' home used to stand.

RELATED: Three members of one sleeping family killed when tornado hit their home

Since then she's had a baby, but a lot of important people aren't there to meet him.

"It doesn't feel right they haven't been a part of the baby being born," Burgess said in a text message to 10News.

She said Terry and Dawson were laid to rest this weekend, but there's still one person who doesn't know they died.

Jen Curtis, Terry's wife and Dawson's mother.

Burgess said more than a month later, Jen is still at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.

RELATED: Remember their names | Family, friends share memories of lives lost in Putnam County tornado

She sent this update on Jen's condition via text:

"She still does not know Terry Dawson or Amanda are gone. She is very confused. She's having a bit of problems with her short term memory but they are hoping that's not permanent. She's had over 10 surgeries while she's been at Erlanger. We still have no idea when she will come home."

Jen saved her other son Easton's life the night of the tornado.

"He said as soon as he hit his mom's arms that she wrapped him up and he remembered the power going out, he remembers the roof blowing off," Burgess said in March.

She said Easton is doing fine. Physically he's great, but he misses his family.

RELATED: Putnam County Youth Baseball to pay tribute to coach and young son killed in tornado

Burgess said they could not wait longer to bury Terry and Dawson, but will hold a memorial service for them when Jen leaves the hospital if it's something she wants.

The Curtis family is one of hundreds of families impacted by these tornadoes.

The Red Cross is offering assistance for those who apply by Tuesday, April 7.

Those who need help should call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or 1-800-733-2767.

Calls will be accepted until 10 p.m. CDT.

While it won't bring people back, it can help others rebuild.

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