Help Jaslyn Overcome Health and Financial Challenges

It is not often you meet someone who has the ability to touch so many lives in so many different ways, but Jaslyn is one of those people. There was no way I could put her story into words so I asked her to put together a back story for you. Please read until the end…it is an amazing story of resilience and hope. Please help Jaslyn with her medical and educational needs!

Jazlyn’s Story

The connection between mental and physical health has always fascinated me, but it wasn’t until I survived a near-fatal car accident that I truly understood their interdependence. Five years ago, my life changed forever. I dedicated myself to healing, both physically and mentally, and eventually returned to complete my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University. My healing journey taught me the importance of equipping individuals with the tools to cope with life’s stressors and the value of a strong support system. Now, I’m pursuing a master’s in Clinical Social Work at the same university to give back to the community that helped piece me back together.

Battling Health Challenges

Before my accident, I was managing an autoimmune disease and a genetic heart defect. In 2014, I had major surgery to regain mobility, and I thought I had conquered my health challenges. But the accident changed everything. I endured multiple long hospitalizations and over eight major surgeries, resulting in major organ removal and lifelong medical device implants. Each surgery triggered a negative response from my autoimmune disease, prolonging healing and adding complications. I’m now delaying another major surgery, hoping to graduate before needing a permanent ileostomy.

Financial Hardships

During this time, I lost my job, my apartment, and had to withdraw from school due to extreme financial hardship and the need for constant medical attention. My husband lost his job multiple times due to caregiving responsibilities, natural disasters, and COVID-19. We face tough decisions every day, such as which medications I can go without, how to save on gas, and how long our food supply will last. The only thing preventing me from continuing my education is financial support. Some months, I can’t afford needed medical treatments, physical therapy, or medications not covered by insurance.

My Passion and Purpose

Animals and people are my passion. Exploring the therapeutic relationship between the two has been a beacon of hope for me. I completed a year-long psychology internship at Special Equestrians, Inc., and I’m currently working with an AHCB and PATH-certified occupational therapist at Strides Occupational Therapy Services, Inc. These experiences have shaped me into the conscious activist I am today. Volunteering in equine-assisted therapies opened my eyes to their versatility in treating disabled populations. Thanks to my mental health specialists and surgeons, I became determined to encourage a norm where psychological health is taken as seriously as physical health.

Cultural Background and Education

I am a first-generation Caribbean descendant with a multicultural family background. My father immigrated from Jamaica, and my mother is of German descent. Growing up in such a diverse environment, adaptability and resilience are my biggest qualities. I’ve traveled the world, learning about different cultures and religions, and I’m proud of my heritage. I hope to continue my research in animal-assisted therapy and its benefits for individuals with disabilities. Despite taking nine years to earn my bachelor’s degree, I never gave up. Walking across the stage with my service dog was one of the proudest moments of my life.

How You Can Help

Jasyln is still undergoing surgeries and treatments. She has faced discrimination for both her disabilities and ethnicity, but still wants to give hope to those alone in their journey or needing guidance in navigating life with special needs.

Your support will help her continue her education and manage her medical expenses. Meeting basic needs has been her biggest obstacle, and she is fighting to gain ground in other areas of her life that have taken a back seat for far too long.