Life changed in an instant for Clarksburg native Justyn Jenkins.  In 2014, he had just celebrated his 16^th birthday.  Shortly afterwards, he got sick with what he thought was just a virus. In a matter of hours, he had been revived twice and was in critical condition. What followed was life altering but also soul altering, as he transformed a tragic situation into one of optimism and faith.

 

What the doctors thought was a virus was  actually diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening problem that affects patients with diabetes.  This devastating news was only the beginning.  As they treated the DKA, the doctors discovered it was much worse that they expected.  His parents were told that they lost him twice that night, totally 45 minutes, and that he was revived but organs were failing and there was the potential for brain damage. 

 

Jenkins was hooked to a cooling machine that slowed his blood down so the DKA would not do as much damage.  He was hooked to a 23 different machines and undergoing dialysis.  He slowly improved and was transferred to Health South for rehabilitation.  Things were looking up until he was admitted again after an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.  While in the hospital, doctors discovered that the cooling machine had damaged Jenkins’ tissue and broke the news that he would have to have both legs amputated along with almost all his fingers. 

 

In a matter of months, the RCB student went from living as an active teenager to being confined to a wheelchair.  Through it all, his family stayed right by his side, offering support and much needed encouragement.  He was finally released to go home and continue with rehabilitation and eventually was fitted for prosthetics, enabling him to walk some again.  He hopes to walk across the stage next year to receive his diploma.

 

Jenkins was chosen as the Champion Child for Children’s Hospital for WVU for this year.  His story will be used to try to get companies and individuals to donate to help other children in need and, in the process, to inspire other patients in their struggles. 

 

While at the Children’s Hospital, someone told the family about the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding mobility options for people with disabilities.  The organization is giving away accessible vans for those who are unable to walk and Jenkins is one of only three in West Virginia who are in the finals for the contest.  He currently has around 500 votes, but area residents are encouraged to spread the word to enable him to win one of the vans.  To vote, go to www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/local-heroes and type in Justyn Jenkins.  His picture will come up and you can enter your vote for him at that time. 

 

The outpouring of support from the local community, the RCB staff, and the hospital staff has been overwhelming and has proven to give Jenkins and his family continued encouragement.  As they have seen their “Miracle Child” go through the stages of recovery, their faith has grown and his optimism continues to inspire those around him.  Voting is open through May 31 and Jenkins’ entire story is told on his Facebook page, Team Justyn.