Close up of Jenna’s CCTV device that enlarges
textbooks or the board so she can see them.
experimental trial- her last hope to save her vision.
These procedures involved cataract removal, iris
implants, and stem cell implants. She travelled
back and forth to the Cincinnati Eye Institute
in Ohio with her mom and dad for the surgeries
and doctors’ visits. The travel costs and medical
bills added up.
That’s when the Erwin community stepped in to help.
A member of Jenna’s church started the Jenna Fund.
Through social media, people from the community
and all over the country donated money- even hotel
rewards points- so the family could get Jenna to the
doctors who could save her sight.
“I was overwhelmed to see so much support,” says
Jenna. “The prayers and love felt is something
I will never forget.”
With the help from her school, family and church
community, Jenna has stayed strong throughout
the process. “It shows my Erwin pride, and I hope
to be an example to everyone. Never give up, no
matter how hard it may seem.”
Jenna is on a promising road to recovery. While
the process is slow, there is definite progress.
She no longer needs distance glasses and now
able to participate in Scripture readings in
church, something she had always wanted to
do. “I feel like the surgery has allowed me to be
more productive, and I feel more aware of my
surroundings,” she says.
As Jenna prepares to graduate from Erwin High,
Jenna on the Erwin Football field in her marching
band uniform with her tambourine.
she admits her future is clearer than ever before
as she looks to possibly a career in medical
assisting or patient advocacy.
Despite the challenges, Jenna’s story is just
one of many inspirational reminders of how a
family, school, community, and others can come
together to help prepare a student for their
limitless tomorrows.
Mark your calendars for the start
of the 2016-2017 school year!
First day for teachers:
August 24, 2016
First day for students:
August 29, 2016
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