And right by her side through every moment is her mom. Not just a caregiver, she’s Jordin’s lifeline, taking on round-the-clock care in a world that wasn’t built for their needs. It's a journey they face alone but together, relying on each other and the resilience that’s kept them going.

“Jordin was resuscitated at birth, and that early trauma left a permanent mark,” said her mom, Deidre. “I still deal with the aftermath of that on a day-to-day basis, that’s how devastating it was.”

Since then, Jordin’s been through even more, but her mom, her rock and full-time caregiver, has been right there with her through it all. Being Jordin’s mom isn’t just a job—it’s a daily mission, filled with love, worry, and a whole lot of resilience. Deidre’s doing it mostly alone, with only her aging mother helping out here and there. And even though Jordin’s dad visits occasionally—something that always brightens Jordin’s face—her mom takes on pretty much everything else.

It’s a life that’s hard for most people to imagine. They spend nearly a week each month in the hospital. Jordin was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and her health needs are complex, from managing seizures to keeping her ventilator running smoothly. Even though she’s supposed to get 24/7 nursing care, finding dependable help has been nearly impossible. After some negative experiences with in-home nurses (we’ll spare you the details), Jordin’s mom has struggled to trust anyone else with her daughter’s care, which leaves her doing it all alone most of the time.

The daily routine is hard enough, but the world around them isn’t built to make things any easier. Just trying to get Jordin out of the house or make it to medical appointments is a challenge. 

Over the years, these health challenges have meant regular hospital visits, which combined with Jordin’s needs at home, have made it difficult for her mother to hold a traditional job. “I was always a steady worker, but there’s no way to maintain a job like this,” she shares, acknowledging the isolation that often accompanies her caregiver role.

Without accessible transportation, it’s also become nearly impossible for her mom to lift Jordin on her own. The local medical transport they rely on is often late or unreliable, which just adds to the stress. Plus, that doesn’t cover most of the things a pre-teen would want to do outside the home, like go to the park, hang out with friends, or see a movie at the theater. If she’s not using it for medical appointments, she’s left trapped at home with no transportation.

Beyond the medical complexities, there are the countless daily challenges that come with caring for a child with complex needs in a world not designed for them. From struggling with the lack of adaptive transport to confronting the anxieties of medical trauma with every hospital visit, Jordin’s mother faces a system that offers little understanding or support. “Until you live it, you can’t fully understand,” she said.

Still, Jordin and her mom find joy in the little things, like playing with beads and making bracelets, necklaces, and keychains. 

"People often say, ‘God only gives you what you can handle,’ and while I don’t always feel like I can handle it, I know Jordin deserves everything," her mom reflects. 

Thanks to donors like you, she’s about to check off one major item from her wish list: a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

This van from Chive Charities and our partners at AMS Vans will be an absolute game-changer. It means freedom—the ability to get around without all the stress and limitations that hold them back now—and represents more than just a vehicle; it’s a chance to regain a piece of normalcy, to escape the daily strain, and to find joy in moments that most families take for granted.

Through your support, we were able to fully fund the cost of a silver 2018 Toyota Sienna for a total impact of $54,564.

From no car to one that’s made for her – it couldn’t be more perfect.

It’s fitting, too, that next month (November) is National Family Caregivers Month, because we couldn’t think of a more deserving group to be able to pause, take a breath, and be recognized for their selfless efforts, love, and care. Deidre is one of many caregivers we’ve met at Chive Charities throughout the years who would do anything for their loved ones. Whatever it takes, they’re on board.

But sometimes, what their loved one needs is beyond their ability or reach. That’s why people like you reading stories like this are so important. Over and over again, you donate or comment or share a story and help them feel seen. You cover medically related needs that others denied. You support and encourage them. You make their lives 10% happier.

Jordin’s story is one of incredible resilience, of a mom who keeps going because she has to, for the love of her child. And thanks to donors like you and Chive Charities, they’re going to have a little more freedom, a little less stress, and a whole lot of joy in the moments that matter most.

Here’s to Jordin and Deidre’s next adventures. And here’s to people like you for making it possible. Come along on this life-changing ride with us and DONATE HERE.