Jenica Needs Donations to Take Surgery

A few weeks ago, we shared the story of eleven-year-old Jenica Jenkins, a brave young girl battling Scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve abnormally and progressively worsen over time. Today, there’s a glimmer of hope as Jenica has received a response from Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Her mother, Kezia Young, is reaching out to the community for support. If you wish to help, you can contact her at 621-8940. Kezia is eager to explain the next steps in Jenica’s journey towards better health.

 

Kezia Young, Mother of Jenica Jenkins

“I got in contact with Shriners Children’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida, and her case was closed. After communication, they reopened her case, so we are going through the application process to have her get the care she needs. So right now what we are looking for is sponsorship because they can only provide a certain amount of care for the patient. But when it comes to parents and guardians to travel with her, there’s certain things we would have to cover like getting her visa, getting transportation to and from the U. S. So those are things that we are currently working on. We do have a couple people who have reached out, willing to donate and pay for certain things. They don’t want to be considered sponsors because they’re not sponsoring the whole trip, just portions of it, which we are very grateful for. We need to apply for both our visas, however, the application is – until we are definitely granted approval, then apply for the visas, but that’s it. By the grace of God, we will be granted, and her case will be approved. So, we still need to apply for a visa. And in the event that we can’t get care from Shriners, we do plan on still going to the U. S. To get help for her. So, visas are needed. Money for tickets is needed for food and lodging, food and lodging. Of course, we don’t have somewhere to stay yet. I do have family; however, they are families that have their own life, and things that they’re dealing with right now. So, my family unfortunately can’t assist us at this time, but they have been donating. They have been reaching out and helping us, you know, find places that would be reasonable hotel-wise or lodging-wise. They’re sending different information that can help towards us getting over there. We just need to finish the application process for confirmation approval.”

 

Marion Ali

“Okay. And baby, how have you been lately?”

 

Jenica Jenkins

“Well, sometimes when I’m trying to relax, my back hurts and I have to get in a position where I can get comfortable. And I’m feeling okay right now, so I hope everything is going to be fine with me.”