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Have you ever heard of Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)? I never had until shortly after July 10, 2013 –my day of infamy. Around 5 PM I was driving to Florida International University with my best friend for my accounting class. Before I left my house, I took aspirin since I was feeling some back pain, which I associated with my early morning workout. I figured that an awkward movement during my workout was causing the pain. About 25 minutes into the drive, a car on the highway caught on fire, and I immediately stopped my car so that the firemen and police could do their jobs. While waiting in the car, my pain became unbearable and I had to ask my friend to drive me home immediately. Even though I became sick during the drive home, I did make it home and my Mom took me to Urgent Care, where I was given two shots of morphine to help with the pain. Later, an ambulance from Joe DiMaggio Children Hospital came to pick me up around midnight — that was my last memory for a week!

I was later told that I had had an extremely crippling seizure, which left me paralyzed from the waist down. Since it shut down internal bodily functions, I was intubated. The paralysis spread up to my neck and I became blind in both eyes. I have faint memories from this time. I remember the agonizing, burning, needle-like pain that wouldn’t go away even with many pain killers. I couldn’t sleep for the first month I was in the hospital because I had a breathing aid (bi-pap) that covered most of my face. It also hid the fact that I was blind because I thought it was just the position of the mask over my eye. I was unable to eat, drink water, or leave my little room in the pediatric ICU for three weeks for fear of a lung collapse – my diagnosis — Neuromyelitis Optica!

Updates (3)

July 29, 2014

Hi everyone!

I'm coming to you today to ask for your help. You might've read my messages before asking for the smart drive power assist wheel. I just want to explain why I would need it and what it is. As you know, school is coming up around the corner. I'm planning to attend FIU this fall semester. I also plan to live on my own in a dorm their since they are wheelchair accessible, unlike UM. This is a huge step for me and to be able to get around such a huge campus without wearing myself out, I would need the Smart Drive Power Assist Wheel. It is a wheel that would attach to my regular wheelchair. It basically just saves my arms from having to manually push around the whole campus. As you can imagine, it's really hard to push yourself in a wheelchair long distances especially in this heat! The wheel would propel me forward. For example, rather than me pushing myself 5 ft with one push, this wheel would propel me approximately 20ft with one push! I'm not sure how far exactly, but I tried one out recently at Jackson and it is such a lifesaver! Especially pushing up an incline or a ramp. It would help me out, because if you can only imagine doing the most basic things are tiresome for me. This simple wheel would give me more energy to put forth is studying etc.

I'm coming to you guys today to ask for your help in funding me. This wheel would help me be independent in college and getting around without wearing myself out!

Here is a link where you can learn more details about the wheel: www.livingspinal.com

Any donation would help! Thank you

Xo

Jazz

July 22, 2014

Hi everyone! I'm going to try my best to update this page as much as possible. However, there is a current Facebook page updated by my immediate family and I where you can learn about more update! Feel free to "like" and learn more about me: www.facebook.com

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Guestbook

December 13, 2014

Jazzmin,
We have sent a donation in memory of your grandfather, Mel Peluchette. We wish you the best.

Fred and Martha Wojcik

December 12, 2014

Jazzmin--- we work with your cousin Marissa and we have donated a memorial contribution in memory of your grandfather Melvin Eugene Peluchette to you and your Road to Recovery Fund. Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your grandfather. Also please know that we are all praying for your continued recovery and happy life. I am sure this holiday will be difficult for you and your family. We in Arkansas pray for peace in your hearts.

Dana Beggs, Baptist Health Therapy Department Manager

November 16, 2014

Jazz, we continue to keep you in our prayers. You are truly a beautiful and amazing young lady with that Peluchette zest for life! We love you!

Frank and Sandy Day