Presentation of our 2013 Brianna Fund Angel
My name is Jennifer Louise Lee and I am the 2013 Brianna Fund Angel Twenty years ago, on May 25, 1992 the doctor stated, "We do not think your child is going to make it through the night, she will be born extremely premature and may be extremely underdeveloped, your child's status is unpredictable". That doctor seemed to be right about one thing, my outcome was unpredictable. As a one pound-fourteen ounce baby born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, "brittle bone dis- ease" my prognosis seemed grim. After three months of ICU care, I was then ready to go home.
Growing up my home consisted of my mother Velma Taylor, my sister Dory Welch. My childhood was accompanied by the love and support of my grandparents Dora and William Taylor, the blessing of my church family of Alden Baptist Church and the guidance of my mentor Nancy Bazanchuk of CHD. My mother's identical prognosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta largely serves as a commonality between my mother and I and shapes a unique component to our mother-child relationship.
Growing up with "brittle bone disease" forced me to have a childhood that differed from the norm. Instead of being able to jump and run, I watched from a distance. My reluctance served as a preventative measure, one we hoped would lesson my breaks. Often that was not the case, during childhood I would often get hurt doing nothing at all. Doctors have estimated that I have had well over twenty breaks. As a member of Shriners Hospital for Children of Springfield MA, I have received a magnitude of support through their services. Shriners, has helped me through multiple surgeries, rehabilitation and after care.
As a child, I remember mornings when my mother would have me put my HKFOs (leg braces) on. Although some mornings I would fight, cry or prolong the process she insured that they were on every day and that I understood their importance. My mother's devotion to my care continues even until this very day. It is because of her I transpired from a determined little girl to a determined woman.