The JAMIE Project

Jamie Jo O'Dell, a remarkably talented artist and screenplay writer, left an indelible mark on the hearts of many before her tragic passing in 2023 due to an early-life stroke. Jamie was the embodiment of joy and creativity, and her exuberant spirit made her the light of her family. As a devoted mother, she had an unparalleled zest for life and a passion for all things Disney. She was known to be an encyclopedia of Walt Disney lore, and her happiest moments were the ones she spent with her family at Disney World, which she considered her “happiest place on Earth”.

Unfortunately, Jamie’s story took a turn in 2016 when she experienced her first episode of what later became undiagnosed mental health issues. These issues might have been exacerbated by her untreated high blood pressure. Jamie, who lived alone in a neighborhood plagued by challenges, including a bedbug infestation, did not seek medical attention during this seven-year period. The culmination of mental health problems and physical ailments rendered Jamie in a catatonic state, where she was neither able to help herself nor accept the help that was offered to her. This tragic neglect led to her untimely demise.

Before her mental health deteriorated, Jamie was a beacon of light, akin to the dazzling fireworks at Magic Kingdom. However, her mental health issues, including bouts of depression and mania, dimmed her radiance. She confided near the end of her life that she felt she had lost the will to live. It is both heartbreaking and alarming to witness such a vibrant soul extinguished prematurely.

This personal tragedy has led to my realization of the dire necessity for society to tend to the mentally ill with compassion and urgency. Mental illness can incapacitate individuals, making them unable to seek the help they desperately need. It becomes our collective responsibility to extend our hands and hearts to these individuals.

With this mission in mind, I have initiated the JAMIE project, which stands for Justice and Action for Mental Illness Empathy. The project aims to provide support and care for individuals who are grappling with mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, as well as those facing challenges like alcohol and drug addiction, and homelessness.

In collaboration with The Groovy Organization, I am committed to using my resources to shed light on my mother's tragic story. This is not just an homage to Jamie’s memory but also an attempt to carry forth her legacy by weaving threads of empathy and care through the tapestry of our communities. Through the JAMIE project, I hope to spark the light that was extinguished in my beloved mother, in the lives of countless others.