Things were going smoothly. I was completing high school while simultaneously taking college classes, ready to transfer to a higher education institute. According to my educational goals, I had applied to selected colleges and was well-prepared for dance auditions. I was happily on top of my game-dancing in troupe, winning top dance awards, choreographing with success and working to keep my body in its best form. It was a complete shock when it all fell apart. During my winter final, I felt shooting pains in my back and legs. I had to be carried in for an MRI and then rushed for immediate emergency surgery.

I didn’t have time for what was to come. This was not my plan. But there was no waiting. The doctor said in one more day I would've died. As it was, I might never walk again. I had MRSA throughout my spinal cord, in my lungs and in various muscles. Weeks spent in ICU, multiple surgeries, a plethora of trial antibiotics and a long hospital stay kept me alive but unable to move on my own. Eventually, I was transferred to another hospital for physical therapy and slowly, with much effort, I began to move my toes, feet and legs. I left the rehab center in a wheelchair with little hope from my therapists of progressing. But I wasn’t ready to give up my dreams. I went back to school, at first remotely, then in a wheelchair with a picc line and antibiotic ball attached. I worked extra hard, pushing my muscles to cooperate and keeping my spirits up. After months of hard work, I advanced to a walker, eventually a cane, then, to the surprise of specialists, unassisted. My muscle memory for dance kicked in to help me remember steps. I never gave up. I pursued new academic interests in preparation of branching into new fields. I gained back what I lost. I am ready to move on with my dreams. I learned that even faced with the most unimaginable adversity, with determination and upbeat spirits, I will find my way.

I completed this past semester (19 units) with a 4.0 gpa and will finish my certificate in time for graduation this May.

This time last year it's crazy to look back and remember struggling to walk but wanting to get back into dance so badly. I am so grateful and blessed to announce that just in this past month, I have been nominated and awarded Dancer of the Year of California Community Colleges, I was accepted into a university and I am still waiting to hear back from others. I have also been accepted into the Professional Division Intensive at The Alvin Ailey School in New York for Summer 2025.

Unfortunately, during my surgery, the medical bills stacked up. Unfortunately, my illness didn't just affect my body but as I was miles away from home, my parents were unable to work while I was in the hospital. This drained their savings account that was intended for upper division education.

I am currently working 3 separate part time jobs, attending school full time with a 20 unit work load, trying to maintain my health and heal my body as I still have nerve damage alternating the sensations throughout my legs.

It would be such a blessing to receive support and I humbly ask for your help to reach my dream of pursuing my BFA over the next 2 years.

Thank you for reading, please share this out if possible.

You can follow my journey at:

Instagram: @jordantauzerpardo