Support Jojo's Journey to Become a Nurse

Hi! My name is Jojo Henderson, and I was accepted into the Autumn 2024 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Washington. Going to nursing school has been my ultimate dream and goal. As a first-generation college student, it has been a long, hard journey to being accepted into the #1 ABSN program in the nation. I have worked tirelessly to get to where I am today but am stuck at a painful crossroad because I can't afford the high cost of tuition, along with living and medical expenses, required for me to attend this program.

I need your help to make this once in a lifetime opportunity a reality. I greatly appreciate any contribution you can make, whether that be through a donation or through spreading the word about my GoFundMe. You are truly helping change my life and I am beyond grateful.

My Story

Growing up in Dallas, TX, I was one of 6 kids in my family. I started my first job when I was 16 while simultaneously working hard in school to make good grades and participate in activities that would help me get into and pay for college.

At 17 I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and my life changed forever. I was now facing a lifelong battle with a chronic illness that would not only affect my health, but also put a permanent and heavy financial strain on my life. This also meant experiencing the realities of the healthcare system up close, which transformed my goal of becoming a nurse into something much more personal for me.

After high school, I attended two years at community college, while also working a full-time job and volunteering at Medical City in Dallas. My academic accomplishments led me to being accepted into my dream school, the University of Washington, but the cost of out-of-state tuition paired with not receiving enough financial aid made it so that I was unable to attend. I was able to complete a bachelor's degree at The University of Texas at Dallas, but nursing school wasn't an option for me.

I started working in healthcare administration after graduating, and relocated to Seattle, WA, with the hopes of one day being able to attend UW nursing school at a lower cost. But like so many other people, the impact of the global pandemic came at a price. I found myself in a new city, with depleted savings, and I had to start waiting tables to pay the rent and to continue to afford medical treatment.

It wasn't until recently that I was able to find a job in healthcare administration again and I am slowly getting back on my feet. But, I am still living paycheck-to-paycheck, fighting every day to keep up with the burden of Type 1 diabetes, and trying to pay off debts along the way.

Despite my hardships, I have never given up. While working I completed additional community college courses that were required as pre-requisites for the UW accelerated nursing school program for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree. I am so proud to be 1 of 64 students accepted into this program and my dreams are once again at my fingertips.

However, I recently found out that I would be receiving very little financial aid or scholarships. The accelerated program requires that I complete two years of nursing school in only one year, putting in 60-80 hours per week, meaning I cannot work a job while attending school.

The cost of tuition is $60,000, as in-state tuition does not apply for this program. In addition to the tuition, I need to pay for housing, food, diabetic medical expenses, and supplies for school. I never thought I would have the opportunity to attend UW nursing school again after having to turn down the offer years ago, but I have been given a second chance. I cannot turn down this offer again, as this is my last shot at attending nursing school.

I appreciate any contribution you can afford and am forever grateful to any of you who choose to help. Your contribution not only gives me the opportunity to attend nursing school, but becoming a nurse one day would mean changing not only my life, but also the lives of my entire family. Thank you.