Jessica moved to the Valley with big dreams for her future: pursuing higher education and building a meaningful career. Determined, she earned her degree from Arizona State University. As a student, she was active in her community, participating in several Native American student organizations and Tribal leader support groups. After graduation, she wanted to continue with her education.
Then, everything changed overnight.
After walking away from what appeared to be a minor car accident, to Jessica, it seemed normal. But when she woke up the next morning, she immediately knew something was wrong. She couldn’t feel anything – not even her legs. Alarmed, her parents rushed her to the hospital, where doctors delivered the devastating news that she had a severe spinal cord injury and was temporarily paraplegic.
“After my accident, I remember sleeping on my knees. I couldn’t drive and couldn’t cook for myself. I had to have my family bathe me,” Jessica admitted. “It was definitely a dark time, and I was just trying to make it through.”
In the months and years following the accident, Jessica faced daily mobility challenges. Losing her independence was painful enough, but the emotional and financial strains that accompanied her recovery made things even harder. Often, nutritious food became increasingly unaffordable and inaccessible due to her disability. With no other solution, Jessica eventually realized she needed help simply to survive.
“I was kind of pushed into a corner,” she said. “You’ve got to push past that ego and find the strength and courage to survive. And asking for help was what I needed to survive.”
After years of healing and trying to get back on her feet, today, she finds herself walking on one cane. Something that the doctors never thought possible. During this time, Jessica ultimately decided it was time to return to school. But this time, she returned to the classroom with a new sense of purpose: becoming a doctor.
Once enrolled at Maricopa Community College (MCC), she found not only educational opportunities but also student resources that fit her needs. Among the resources available to her were The Mesa Market, the on-campus food pantry, and United Food Bank partner agency. As a United Food Bank partner agency, neighbors can receive healthy snacks, food bags, and other items to make nutritious meals. This makes for some perfect study fuel for students who seek assistance that isn’t ramen.
For Jessica, the pantry has been a lifeline as she tries to pay her tuition, prioritize her health, and, of course, her studies.
“I’m trying to stretch my money throughout the month, but at the end of the month, it gets harder.”
Jessica is grateful for this food pantry. Not only does it help her, but it also creates a community of fellow students and nearby families who receive its services each month.
“To be able to know that there’s a community that cares about students and makes sure they’re getting the proper nutrients when they go to class, for me, I’m really blessed to have this kind of place,” shared Jessica.
The past few years have been a journey for Jessica, marked by many highs and lows. Despite everything that has come her way, she has always come back a little stronger. But she couldn’t have done it alone. Along the way, The Mesa Market and United Food Bank have become a small but meaningful part of her healing journey.
Today, more students, children and families are facing food insecurity than ever before. Jessica’s story is just one example of the growing need in our community. And during the summer months, students of all ages lose access to meals; therefore, the need becomes even greater. Support for organizations like United Food Bank helps ensure more students can continue to pursue their education and have access to the essential support they need.
To learn more about how you can make a difference, consider donating at azmillionmeals.org
Communications and Grants Specialist
Email: ifleck@unitedfoodbank.org