Emily Progin, Content Manager
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Release: Immediate
SPINAL CORD INJURY AWARENESS MONTH: JENNIFER’S STORY
“My Injury Impacts Me a Great Deal—But I Don’t Let It Stop Me.”
SPRINGVILLE, Ala.—Since age 6, Jennifer Jenkins has been living with paralysis due to a rare spinal malformation. Now 38, Jennifer is a successful professional who loves and gives back to her community. During Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, she is sharing her story to help others understand life with paralysis—and asking for her ongoing support to cover her critical medical costs.
Jennifer was born with a rare spinal malformation. At age 6, she became paralyzed.
Jennifer pursued higher education with determination, even when paralysis prevented her from following her dream of becoming a physical therapist—like the ones who supported her so much in her childhood. “I studied rehabilitation counseling so I could have an impact on other people like me,” she explained.
Today, Jennifer works with the State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) Medicaid Waver, helping other individuals with disabilities live independently at home. She and her two beloved dogs, Buzzbee and Monk, love to socialize in town and frequent local businesses: “They call Buzzbee the Little Mayor.”
“People with paralysis are really just like everybody else,” she explained. “Raising awareness can help unify people so we can all feel less alone.”
Jennifer’s advice during Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month can apply to not just the spinal cord injury community, but to everyone: “Reach out to others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be creative and think outside the box to get things done. A strong attitude and a commitment to never giving up is so important.”
Though Jennifer has an independent and full life, many of the supplies and services that keep her independent have a huge out-of-pocket price tag. That’s why she started fundraising with the trusted nonprofit Help Hope Live.
“Anything not deemed medically necessary is not covered by insurance,” she explained—highlighting a little-known aspect of life with a spinal cord injury. “That includes shower chairs, stair lifts, and other critical supplies I rely on.”
The community can help Jennifer meet these needs so she can keep raising awareness and helping others like her by making a donation at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/20871/
Unlike a GoFundMe campaign, donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $188 million to pay patient expenses. ###
