One year ago, our family's world changed forever.

Just days after her 19th birthday, Jessica suffered a series of rare and devastating strokes caused by an undetected blood clot that traveled to her brain and spinal cord. In an instant, this vibrant, healthy young woman became paralyzed.

Today, Jessica is still fighting every single day.

Because of your incredible generosity, one of the biggest obstacles she faced has been overcome—we were able to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van. That van has changed everything. It means Jessica can get to therapy, doctor's appointments, spend time with family, and begin reclaiming pieces of the independence that was taken from her.

We can never thank you enough for making that possible.

But the journey is far from over.

Jessica continues physical therapy multiple times each week and spends countless hours working on additional exercises at home. Every movement she regains is earned through determination, pain, and perseverance. She refuses to give up.

She is also preparing to begin remote classes through the University of Michigan this fall, continuing to chase her dream of living her best life. That dream hasn't changed.

In her own words: "I don't care if I can't use my legs. I just need my hands."

That is Jessica.

Strong. Hopeful. Unbreakable.

We Still Need Answers

Nearly a year later, we still don't know why this happened.

Jessica continues undergoing extensive testing, including specialized heart procedures to determine whether hidden damage or an undetected heart defect may have caused the strokes. Finding those answers is critical—not only for understanding what happened, but to help prevent it from ever happening again.

Many of these tests, procedures, and specialists are expensive, and some are not fully covered by insurance.

Every appointment brings hope that we may finally have answers.

Your Support Is Still Changing Her Life

While the accessible van was a huge milestone, the financial burden of recovery continues every day.

Your donations help provide:

Recovery from a spinal cord stroke isn't measured in weeks or months. It's measured in years.

Jessica's Story

Jessica has always been the light in every room—bubbly, energetic, artistic, and endlessly compassionate.

Growing up on the island of Kauai, she spent her childhood surrounded by beaches, art, yearbook, and friends. After moving to Michigan with her mom, she graduated near the top of her class at East Grand Rapids High School, taking Honors and AP courses before earning a scholarship to Michigan State University.

She loves animals with her whole heart and has always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. She's also an incredible aunt to her two young nieces, always planning crafts, beach adventures, and painting murals together.

Just days after her 19th birthday, everything changed.

She suffered an extraordinarily rare series of strokes that left her paralyzed and fighting for her life. Jessica was airlifted from Kauai to Honolulu, where doctors worked tirelessly to save her.

Since then, she has faced challenge after challenge with a strength that continues to amaze us.

Thank You

If you've donated, shared Jessica's story, prayed for our family, or simply checked in—we are more grateful than words can express.

You helped bring Jessica home.

You helped put her back on the road.

Now we're asking you to continue walking beside her as she fights for the next chapter.

Please continue sharing Jessica's story. Continue praying for answers. Continue believing in her future.

Jessica is still fighting.

And we still believe her best days are ahead.