My life has always been a bit complicated when it comes to my health. I was born with severe asthma and allergies. At age 14 I was in a car accident and walked away with a tramatic brain injury. Then at 19, I started having heart problems. Ten years and two heart surgeries later, they were able to fix my heart! I was looking forward to the future and being able to be more active. While recovering from heart surgery in April 2013, I got sick with the flu. The next thing I know I’m in a wheelchair unable to feel or use my legs. My world changed in ways I never could have imagined. I started experiencing debilitating muscle weakness, uncontrollable pain, violent muscle spasms and stiffness, among other things. It took a year and a half of searching to find an answer. I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord that causes nerve damage. Transverse Myelitis is extremely rare, only affecting 1 in 1.6 million people.
I am raising money to get an accessible vehicle that I can drive. Having a vehicle will make a huge difference in my life and be another step in regaining some independence! Not only will having an accessible vehicle help with school and volunteer work, it will also help with simple things like going to the doctor, getting medication from the pharmacy, or even running errands. It will be a welcome change from traveling the roads in my wheelchair, especially when it’s extremely hot or cold outside!
I’ve always been determined to live my life to the fullest, despite any challenges that I have faced. I graduated high school early and with honors. Having a brain injury I was told I wouldn’t even graduate on time. In my twenties, while dealing with heart problems, I fell in love with volunteering with animals. I worked with a low cost spay and neuter clinic and with local rescues. I’ve had a passion for animals that started when I was young. I first experienced dog training in elementary school with my first dog. That love of training continued with every rescue and foster I was blessed to work with. One rescue that came into my life, also became my Service Dog. Training Sissy has been a wonderful experience! She changed my life for the better and has given me so much independence! We also enjoy creating awareness about what service dogs do and how to behave around them. Talking to the community about service dogs is something we both enjoy!
The last several years I have worked hard at physical therapy. Both with a wonderful physical therapist and on my own. I have been able to make improvements physically and am optimistic and excited about what the future will hold. I will also be working with vocational rehabilitation to pursue becoming a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, specializing in training service dogs. I know what a positive difference Sissy has made in my life. My goal is to one day be able to pair rescue dogs with someone that needs a service dog of their own.
I want to thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Whether you can donate a lot, a little or even help me spread the word, every little bit helps! I can’t thank you enough!
Please sign my guest book!
Family and friends of Jennifer Scott are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.
Jennifer has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
