Jade BrimName Jade Brim

Age 28

Where do you call home? I live in Daytona Beach. FL.

Education (degree(s): I have a Master's in teaching. FA has led me many great places that have laid the foundation for my future. FA led me to the doctor's office where I met my husband. FA led me to an amazing career teaching math online.

What is your relationship status? I am happily married.

What's a typical day for you? I am lucky enough to only work from a school two days a week and usually work the rest of the week from the couch. Regardless of where I am working from, I try to get up and ready before my husband leaves for work, both for safety reasons and also to guarantee I do actually get
up...

How long have you known you are living with FA? I was diagnosed at 18, soon after starting college. I had felt self-conscious about my movements for a few years, but it wasn't until my peers began accusing me of drinking before class that my mom conceded there might be more than simple carelessness at play and brought me to a neurologist.

Are there any others with FA in your family? I am the only one in my family with FA.

Describe your transition from walking to walker/wheelchair. I transitioned from walking unaided to walking with a service dog to using a wheelchair. The total progression was too fast but it was really thrown into overdrive when I got a fusion at 22. Because my spine could no longer absorb shock, my first fall after my fusion fractured my pelvis. To avoid similar injuries in the future, my wheelchair usage significantly increased. To this day, I have never broken any other bones.

Jade Brim 2Do you have any hobbies or special interests? I like to read and cook, but honestly, I am somewhat of a workaholic.

When FA gets you down, what do you think/do to feel better? I think about all the people who rely on me regardless of FA.

What is one way living with FA has POSITIVELY affected your life? I feel like FA is what has made me professionally successful. It sounds weird, but it is because I am eager to please. Once I realized that everyone was rallying behind me and was constantly being told how my successes were inspiring others to work harder to achieve successes of their own, I worked harder so I could continue to motivate others.

What is a favorite motivational quote of yours? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

What is the best advice YOU could give to a person who has been newly diagnosed with FA? The best advice I could give someone who is newly diagnosed is that when you fall there are only 2 options. 1. You can stay down and watch life go on without you, or 2. You can get back up and live a slightly modified but totally happy and fulfilling life!

What is the first thing you want to do when a cure/treatment to FA is found? The first thing I would do if a cure were found for FA is buy a 2-story house!

How do you live your life in the face of adversity? I live a normal life with a job, a husband, and two dogs. I can still navigate a normal life; I just sometimes take an alternate route to get to the same destinations.

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