Take a look at the pictures below; keep in mind they are very graphic. What you see is an angel who gave up everything to help her fellow man. This angel, who is my niece, was involved in a devastating accident on November 16, 2007. The driver of her vehicle was killed and the other passenger is missing. Jessi suffered severe injuries and is still in critical condition. She has four fractures in her skull, a broken vertebrae, fractured hip, and fractured arm. Tuesday, the doctors were able to set her arm. Saturday, a tracheotomy was inserted and her mouth was wired shut in order to begin one of many facial reconstructive surgeries that she needs.
When Jessi finally returns home she will not only need the support of her family and friends, she will need the support of her community. She needs a band of angels to join together and be that "guardian angel". A fund has been created in her name at Credit Union One, The Jessicia's Journey Fund.
Pamper yourself or your loved ones with a Radiance facial, massage or treatment and help support Jessi's recovery.
Three years ago Jessica Mae Griffin joined the Peace Corps. She traveled to a country where she couldn't even speak the language, had no running water or a shower. Everything and everyone she loved was thousands of miles away. She was on a mission to make a difference. I have no doubt this beautiful soul did just that with the families she worked with in Africa.
Over time, she learned the language, Portuguese, and began teaching high school biology. Her students adore her. She picked up everything from stray animals to malaria. She even had chickens in her yard.
Today this angel lies in a hospital; again, miles away from what she loves, including her new home in Africa. Jessica was due to come home to Michigan in less than two months. She might still do that, only this time, she will arrive battered and broken.
Quoted from Jessi's "MySpace" in June of 2007:
"And about making a difference, I have discovered that the best thing that Peace Corps can offer is not the difference you make on the world, but the difference the world makes on you. My life is so much more complete because I have lived here and seen the world and for each thing, from HIV and AIDS to malaria to saying absolutely the wrong word in class to the millions of other things, I am so thankful."
She is a dynamic young woman that all of you will love. Please join us as we celebrate her life and help her build her future. Please be a part of the "world" that is making a difference in her life~ having Jessica's family at her bedside is very important for her recovery. The Jessica's Journey Foundation is established to help with their incurring expenses.
If you cannot attend this event or join us at the spa and wish to make a charitable contribution, please mail to:
The Jessica's Journey Foundation
c/o Credit Union One
400 East Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
Attention: Vern McClure, Credit Union One
Your donation is sincerely appreciated by Jessi, her loving family and a never ending circle of friends. This is Jessi in December 2006 This is Jessi Tuesday, November 20, 2007 For more information contact Teri Williams @ 248-219-6200 or Sue Watson @ 734-934-6825 |
