My brother Jalen is 33 years old, and his entire life has been a battle that most people could never imagine. Jalen was born with Spina Bifida and has been paralyzed from the waist down since birth. Throughout his life, he has endured more than 40 surgeries, countless hospital stays, painful recoveries, setbacks, and challenges that would break most people. But through it all, Jalen has continued to smile, laugh, encourage others, and keep fighting. If you know Jalen, you know his heart. He is one of the biggest supporters of law enforcement and our military that you will ever meet. He has proudly participated in ride-alongs with officers and has always had a deep respect for the men and women who serve and protect others. If Spina Bifida had not physically limited him, there is no doubt in my mind that he would have pursued a career in law enforcement. More than anything, Jalen loves the Lord. His faith has carried him through every surgery, every painful recovery, every setback, and every hospital room he has ever faced.
Recently, though, life has become incredibly difficult. Two months ago, Jalen developed sepsis from a massive kidney stone he didn’t even know he had. Since then, he has been in and out of the hospital facing one complication after another. A Foley catheter caused a severe tear and injury that has led to even more pain and medical challenges. Now, Jalen is battling Guillain-Barré syndrome, which caused him to temporarily lose movement in his arms and hands. He has also begun experiencing seizures that have become more frequent. Watching someone you love endure this much suffering is heartbreaking, and for the first time in a long time, Jalen is scared. But even now, he keeps fighting.
This fundraiser is not simply about medical expenses. Medicaid helps with much of his care. This is about helping improve Jalen’s quality of life and giving him something hopeful to look forward to after a lifetime of limitations and hardship. For years, Jalen has dreamed of owning an Action Trackchair — an all-terrain wheelchair that would allow him to experience more freedom, independence, and parts of life that many of us take for granted. After everything he has endured, we want to help give him moments of joy, freedom, and memories outside of hospitals and surgeries. If you feel led to donate, pray, or simply share Jalen’s story, our family would be deeply grateful. Thank you for helping people see the incredible man behind the struggle.
Recently, though, life has become incredibly difficult. Two months ago, Jalen developed sepsis from a massive kidney stone he didn’t even know he had. Since then, he has been in and out of the hospital facing one complication after another. A Foley catheter caused a severe tear and injury that has led to even more pain and medical challenges. Now, Jalen is battling Guillain-Barré syndrome, which caused him to temporarily lose movement in his arms and hands. He has also begun experiencing seizures that have become more frequent. Watching someone you love endure this much suffering is heartbreaking, and for the first time in a long time, Jalen is scared. But even now, he keeps fighting.
This fundraiser is not simply about medical expenses. Medicaid helps with much of his care. This is about helping improve Jalen’s quality of life and giving him something hopeful to look forward to after a lifetime of limitations and hardship. For years, Jalen has dreamed of owning an Action Trackchair — an all-terrain wheelchair that would allow him to experience more freedom, independence, and parts of life that many of us take for granted. After everything he has endured, we want to help give him moments of joy, freedom, and memories outside of hospitals and surgeries. If you feel led to donate, pray, or simply share Jalen’s story, our family would be deeply grateful. Thank you for helping people see the incredible man behind the struggle.
Organizer and beneficiary
Savanna Greene
Beneficiary