Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Michelle Hawk.
Hi Jessica Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Jessica Michelle Hawk. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) at the age 17. It was the summer before I started my senior year of High School. I was in complete denial and absolute confusion about what M.S. was or meant for my future. I did not know what M.S. was, but I thought I would die.
Let me rewind 11 years, and I was a 6-year-old girl in the hospital diagnosed with a childhood stroke! My left side was mildly paralyzed. I can remember doing physical therapy and occupational therapy. I recovered from the “stroke,” but throughout my childhood, I dealt with migraines, falling, and my limbs falling asleep too long. My parents took me to many specialists but said it was growing pains.
Now we are in the summer of my Junior year, and my migraines have become unbearable. I remember taking a nap and waking up with NO vision in my left eye! At that point, my parents would not accept “growing pains” from the doctors. I reside in Jacksonville, Fl. We went to just about EVERY eye doctor in the city, and no one could give me any answers. Finally, they sent us to Gainesville, Fl. By this time, I had regained my vision. I looked at my Dad in the waiting room and said why are we here? I can see now! He said, “Just to make sure everything was okay.” IT WAS NOT OKAY! After an eye examination and a neurological exam, Dr. Muhammad Tariq Bhatti diagnosed me with M.S. I was suddenly rushed into numerous tests at U.F. hospital in Gainesville. I was admitted to the hospital for 5 days for intravenous sol- u-merdrol. That was when I knew it was going to be a difficult fight.
I started the treatment, which was an intramuscular shot 3 days a week. I would wake up every morning with flu-like symptoms and bruises everywhere. I graduated from High school with honors. I then graduated from the University of North Florida with my Bachelor’s degree, and two years later, I graduated with my Masters in education.
I have been unable to walk without some aid for about 4 years of my life, unable to see many times, unable to talk, unable to feed myself, unable to write, sleep, text, tie my shoes, and dress. I experienced major depression, self-esteem issues, anxiety, and just plain old hopelessness, but in my deepest despair, God nor my parents left my side.
I decided to take control of my life because I wanted my independence back. I started a chemo drug Rituxan, and when the FDA approved Ocrevus, I began taking that. It completely changed my life. I give the credit to God because I wanted to give up.
I started a YouTube channel to follow my Journey, Jessica’s Journey. (Find me everywhere using #KillingMSforJess) I am now an Elementary Educator. I can walk with no assistance. Three other women and I just founded the nation’s first Sorority for women with MS, Alpha Eta Phi Multiple Sclerosis Sorority, Incorporated (aepmssorority.org). I will return to school in the spring for my Doctorate in Education. If I could give anyone words of encouragement, Don’t Stop, and God has not forgotten about you! #KillingMSforJess 🧡💚🤍
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My struggles we’re getting sick and being hospitalized. In my educational journey, I had professors who did not believe me. I assumed because I appeared “normal.” They made it difficult. I remember being in my dorm and asking my mom to pack the room and take me home. She would not! (Thank goodness!) I was questioned and even let go because of my disability throughout my work career, but I always disclosed that information. In forming the sorority, there was conflict. I often just wanted to give up, but I knew the goal was bigger than me. The road was NOT smooth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I come from a family of Educators, and I truly have a love and a passion for children. My work is in elementary education. However, I am forming Hawk Tutoring. It is in the works. We will provide specialized tutoring both online & in person. If I am “known for” anything, it would be my advocacy for MS. I have a YouTube channel, JessicaMichelle #KillingMSforJess
I have recently focused on developing Alpha Eta Phi Multiple Sclerosis Sorority, Incorporated. Our founder’s day is August 29, 2021. Sometimes it feels like a dream that we (the founders) have accomplished such a feat. Our Vision is to provide a healthy environment for women diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. To ensure that each sister feels comfortable and confident when advocating and educating others about MS while working to create a world free of MS., I am extremely proud of AEP MS Sorority. My perseverance and ability to finish my start set me apart from others. Also, my intellect, spiritual awareness, and ability to communicate with people from all walks of life and ages.
If we knew you were growing up, how would we have described you?
You would say Jessica loves school and it is extremely important to her. I was a very silly and smart girl. I loved to read books (Babysitters Club was my favorite) & write stories. I enjoyed coloring. I loved going to church.
Contact Info:
- Website: aepmssoroity.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica_michelle_86/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Jaybella1986/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/jaybella1986
