US National Dragon Boat Team-China

Born and raised on the island of Oahu-Kaneohe, Hawaii. Both my parents were drug addicts, never married. My mom struggled with her addictions and often took it out on us. There was never any food in the “section 8”, bug infested apartment. She often had strange men coming in and out of the apartment, all hours of the night. As a young toddler she tried to kill me by drowning me in the bathtub. I didn't know it then, she was sufferring from Paranoid schizophrenia. Thankfully we were removed from that environment. My grandmother stepped in and cared for us for a season.

Life was not easy going forward. Long story short, I went thru all types of abuse (physical, mental, sexual), lived in 2 foster homes in 4 years, then was rescued by a wonderful adoptive family at age 11. For the first time in my life, my brother and I would be a part of a family. Our new family was well known in the community. He was a retired American professional wrestler, surfer/beach boy, canoeist (paddler and coach), an honorable man. It was solely because of his training, discipline and motivation is why I fell in love with paddling. This was the ultimate foundation to all of my athletic ambitions, my “first love”, if you will. After living thru so much pain and trauma, paddling gave me life. It awakened my spirit and inner strength that was hidden deep down. I learned to be a part of a team and strive for greatness together as a whole. You know the saying “salt water heals”? Paddling brought healing to my soul. Paddling prepared me to be a better all around athlete.

During the adoptive transition, my brother and I struggled with life. We had deep rooted issues that had never been dealt with. Things took a turn for the worst. My brother and I decided to run away from home at age 15 and 16. We ended up in “Hale Kipa” (teenage runaway shelter). We lived there for 3 to 4 months. We would soon reconcile with our adoptive family and came to the agreement that it would be best that my brother and I be placed back with our biological family.

After 7 long years, we would reunite with my grandmother. It was strange being back home after being away so long. It was a tough adjustment to say the least. She gave me a lot of freedom of which I knowingly abused. I began dating, drinking and even tried a few “controlled substances”. My teenage dating relationship was pretty crazy. We loved to party and then fight. If you didn’t know – domestic violence is a huge problem in Hawaii. By my senior year, the relationship was broken, we went our separate ways, and I could not handle it. I was drinking my life away, barely went to school and to make matters worse, I was depressed. One day I disrespected my grandmother and was kicked out of her house. With all of my clothes in a trash bag,  I travelled from house to house, landing where ever I could.

At age 18 I decided to get drunk (again) and attempted suicide as a cry for help. I remember having to ride in the ambulance to the ER, and drinking charcoal. My adoptive mom found out and with the kindness of her heart asked me to come live with them. They knew I was homeless. They wanted me to heal from the awful break up and abandonment. They just wanted me to graduate. I can remember them sitting me down begging me to stop drinking. I didn’t listen, but with their help, patience and persistence, I finally graduated (barely). One night I went out drinking and caused a head on collision. I was driving under the influence, but thankfully (because of my adoptive dad), no charges were pressed. I continued to struggle with alcohol. They finally had enough and said I was not making any notable changes and cut me loose. Off I went, back into the streets.

A friend stepped in and offered her place. I was still dealing with the depression from the break up and rejection from family members. She offered me some free drugs – crystal meth. I was instantly addicted. For seven months straight I lived this life. I was becoming my mother, something I promised myself I’d never do. One day I snapped out of it and said I was done. I contacted a local army recruiter made it a goal to join. I remember it clear as day, I was high as a kite, hadn’t slept in days, took the ASVAB and miraculously passed the test. I literally guessed every single question, no lie!

1998- I left for basic training, Fort Jackson, SC. I did amazing. I was nominated for a top award in my unit, but could not remember all the book answers to save my life (damaged brain cells, lol)! I finished basic and AIT at Ft. Lee, VA and was sent to my first duty station – Korea! The Army was the best thing for me, however, it opened the door to my drinking problem once again. The entire year in Korea was awesome in so many ways, but crippling for me to say the least. I had NOTHING to show for my hard work. I spent all of my money on alcohol.

After that tour, I relocated to Ft. Carson, CO. This is where I would meet my future husband and where God would grab a hold of my heart and change me from the inside out. My life would never be the same.

I shared this condensed version of my life story to let God use me, to give hope to someone who is struggling with hurts, habits, abuse/addictions, rejection, domestic violence, suicide, etc.

After 22 years of non-paddling, I was blessed to be able to live in a city where paddling is alive and thriving. In March of this year, I joined Charleston Paddle Club and tried dragon boating for the first time. This awakened my soul once again. Paddling is not only a part of my Hawaiian culture, but truly contributed to the healing process of my childhood trauma.

Here’s where I need your help. I’m currently trying out for Team USA, Women’s Premier Dragon Boat Team – World Championships – China 2017. If I am selected, I will incur financial obligations: Travel expenses/hotel accommodations to local training camps (ex: Florida, Philadelphia) and lastly, the final trip to the world championships (estimated over 3K). Any additional donations will help fly out my biggest supporter, my most amazing and patient husband. The one who loved me at my worst, broken and all.

*If for some reason, I don’t make the team, the funds will remain until I do. Nothing is impossible.

*UPDATE* I AM A MEMBER OF THE US NATIONAL DRAGON BOAT - PREMIER WOMEN'S TEAM*

2 Samuel 22:33
God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

With a grateful heart,

Jess (a survior of many)

Photo Creds: Vadim Lishchuk