Spread Joy Through Accessibility: Jaslene's Story

As a Special Education Teacher for 41 years, I was very fortunate to share the lives of my students and their families. I would like to introduce you to one of my students…

Meet Jaslene Jaimes.

Jaslene became a part of my school family when she joined my class as a Kindergarten student. For such a little girl, she had so many endearing qualities. She was so full of life. Her spunky, fun personality engaged everyone she met. She always had a kind word to share with anyone she encountered. Jaslene never let any obstacle stand in her way. She always tried her best and accomplished her goal of making someone else smile. She loved to run and play and hang from the monkey bars.

As Jaslene entered third grade, she needed the support of a wheelchair as walking had suddenly become too difficult.

Fast forward to present time, Jaslene is a 13-year-old girl. She loves school, her friends, music therapy classes and burgers are still her favorite food. Over the last 5 years, Jaslene has experienced many health challenges that would have made the pain of going through each day extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the average person. However, she faces each day with grace. Her positive attitude never falters, even on the hardest of days.

This earth angel has touched my heart and become part of my family. I am so inspired by her strength and her kindness to those around her.

I would like to introduce you to her parents, Paty Jaimes and Areli Diaz-Adan. If it were possible to award the Most Loving, Most Selfless, Best Advocates, Hardest Working, Best Parents, it would go to these two individuals. They love their daughter with their whole heart and would do absolutely anything for her.

When Jaslene came to my class as a 5-year-old, Paty was going to Michigan State University as a Ph.D student. Jaslene’s dad worked as a cook at a restaurant. Jaslene was at the center of everything they did. Despite their busy work schedules, they found time to volunteer at school and in our classroom. They got to know parents, teachers, and people in the community. They also signed her up for local activities and programs such as Miracle League Baseball, swimming, and music therapy.

Paty and Areli are extremely resourceful, make a great team and work seamlessly to care for their daughter and find creative solutions to the many challenges their family encounters. They also worked hard to be able to buy a home for Jaslene once Paty completed her graduate studies (in late 2021). Paty now works as a staff member at the University of Michigan and Areli continues in his job as a cook.

The search for a home was challenging due to reasons outside of this family’s control as it was a seller’s market. However, in February 2022, they were finally able to purchase their house! This home, located in East Lansing, allowed Jaslene to continue to be part of her classroom in East Lansing Public Schools. This was of the utmost importance so she could continue receiving all of the programs and services she required and being in the community she’s been part of since she was five years old.

Unfortunately, there were no homes available that were 100% wheelchair accessible. However, this home was perfect in many ways. Being a ranch home, it met most of Jaslene’s physical needs, with the exception of the bathroom. The bathroom doorway is simply too narrow for her wheelchair and medical equipment. Since moving into this house, Jaslene’s parents found creative ways to navigate entering the bathroom with their daughter. They had the intention of modifying the bathroom to be more accessible by acccessing funding that was available to Jaslene. Over the course of a year, Jaslene’s mom Paty has spent countless hours advocating for her daughter, trying to acquire this funding. She has been met with one roadblock after another with no hope in sight. Unfortunately, due to a change in medical circumstances, waiting is no longer an option.

In April of 2023, Jaslene had to have major orthopedic surgery due to the progression of her condition. As a result, Jaslene’s parents had to alter the way they navigate toileting and bathing needs with their daughter, as she is no longer able to utilize the home’s current bathroom. The family desperately needs a modified bathroom, with a widened doorway and roll-in shower. Jaslene needs this bathroom now as it is a medical necessity.

Goal

I’ve seen these parents work so hard for everything they have and provide the best care for their daughter. Even for this bathroom, the family sought out numerous resources with no luck. Although they considered this option, obtaining a second job to pay for the bathroom modifications is not possible due to the urgency of the situation and the level of care that their daughter requires. They are not in a financial position to take out a loan.

Doing their due diligence in researching how much this project will cost, they received an estimate from three reputable contracting companies. The fundraising goal reflects the lowest price.

In all the years that I have known the parents, I have never heard them complain about life’s challenges or give up. They persevere, problem-solve, focus on gratitude, and like their daughter, live their lives with grace and hope.

I would like to make this accessible bathroom modification a reality for this amazing family. I invite you to help me lift this family up with your contributions.