Hi everyone,

My name is Justine Powell. I’m a 24-year-old final year university student at the University of Technology, Jamaica, pursuing a degree in Medical Technology.

I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to share my story and ask for your help. On Monday July 14, 2025, while on vacation in Alabama, I was cycling on my e-bike and I was forced off the road by traffic that didn’t give me room to maneuver. There were traffic cones in the bicycle lane, and I would usually go around them while motorists gave me grace to merge back into the bicycle lane. But this time, whoever was behind me drove so close to the white line that separates the main lane and the bike lane that I ended up colliding with several traffic cones, which ultimately threw me off my bicycle at a speed of 20 mph. This caused me to fall and sustain a serious tibial plateau fracture. A tibial plateau fracture is a type of break in the top part of your shinbone, near your knee. Think of the tibial plateau as the flat surface at the top of your shinbone that helps form the knee joint. When this area breaks, it can affect how your knee moves and functions. It’s usually caused by a strong impact or a fall, and in my case, my accident led to that.

In that moment of pain and confusion, I was left alone on the road. No one stopped to help. I had to muster all my strength to crawl and wave down a passing motorist who thankfully stopped and helped me up along with another gentleman.

Since then, I’ve undergone surgery to repair the damage, but the road to recovery is long and uncertain. I’ll need at least six months of physical therapy before I can walk again.

I’m setting up this GoFundMe to help cover the mounting medical bills, hospital stay, and living expenses during this period. Any support you can offer, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing my story, would mean the world to me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and support.