Chloe Brown

UPDATE: 8 Months Later — Help Jessica Get Her Independence Back It’s been 8 months since August 11th. Jessica is still fighting—every single day. She’s in physical therapy twice a week and doing additional programs at night, pushing herself mentally and physically to regain as much independence as possible. Her determination hasn’t changed. She still believes in her future, and she’s working for it every day. But we’ve hit a new and unexpected challenge: Transportation. Right now, every time Jessica leaves the house—whether it’s for therapy, a doctor’s appointment, or just to feel like a normal 19-year-old—it costs around $100 for medical transport. And even then, it’s often late or unreliable. Something as simple as going to a movie, the store, or getting fresh air has become difficult, expensive, and sometimes impossible. We want to change that. We are raising $20,000 for a reliable, wheelchair-accessible van so Jessica can regain some independence—so she and our mom can go where they need to go, when they need to go, without barriers. We’ve reached out to organizations and programs, but because Jessica’s condition was sudden and rare, we haven’t been able to secure assistance. If you’ve supported us before, thank you. You’ve helped carry us through the hardest time in our lives. If you’re able to give or share again, it would mean everything to help Jessica take this next step forward. She is doing everything she can. We’re just trying to give her the freedom to live her life alongside that progress. ... Bringing Jessica home is just the beginning of a long journey. Our updated goal is to support her in: • Continuous rehabilitation and life-changing care with SCI specialists • Advanced medical equipment and adaptive technology to help her live more independently • Home modifications to create a safe, accessible environment • Educational support so she can continue pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian • Ongoing medical expenses that are beyond what insurance will cover How You Can Help Every donation, every share, and every prayer helps Jessica and our family move forward. We are forever grateful for the love and support that have carried us this far — and we invite you to stay with Jessica as she takes the next steps on this journey. Jessica has already shown incredible strength. Before her transfer, she told us: “I don’t care if I can’t use my legs. I just need my hands to work to be a vet.” That determination is Jessica in every way — hopeful, resilient, and unwilling to let go of her dreams. Thank you for being part of her fight and her future. .. Jessica's Story: Jessica has always been the light in every room — bubbly, energetic, and endlessly helpful. Growing up on the island of Kauai, she filled her days with yearbook, art, and beach adventures. She later moved with her mom to Michigan, where she graduated at the top of her class from East Grand Rapids High School. Jessica was in honors and AP courses, earned a scholarship to Michigan State University, and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian because of her deep love for animals. She’s also an incredible auntie to her two young nieces, always the first to volunteer for beach trips, story times, and painting murals together. Just days after her 19th birthday, Jessica’s life changed in an instant. She suffered a rare and devastating series of strokes, caused by an undetected blood clot that spread to her brain and spinal cord. The result was paralysis and life-threatening uncertainty. Jessica, who had always been healthy, suddenly faced a reality no teenager should. She was medevac’d from Kauai to Honolulu for emergency treatment and admitted to the ICU, where doctors searched for answers.