A severe motor vehicle accident almost claimed Jasmin Cervantes’ life in the summer of 2022. The 12-year-old girl was traveling with family in Mexico. While riding in a vehicle with her mother, father, and grandparents, they were struck by a large charter bus. Jasmin was the sole survivor of the accident and was eventually flown back to St. Petersburg to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for recovery.
Triumph Over Tragedy
Jasmin sustained multiple traumatic injuries. She required a tracheostomy, feeding tube nutrition, had a liver laceration, spleen/appendix removed, and suffered a lumbar spine injury, jaw fracture, and traumatic brain injuries, with right-sided hemiplegia. Jasmin was not fully verbal, only speaking in 2–3-word sentences. Her brother Cruz has been a permanent fixture by her side since the day Jasmin came into our care.
Jasmin resides in her parent’s home with her brother, sister-in-law, and young nephews. Her older brother Cruz was able to quit his job to help care for her full-time.
Road To Recovery
Jasmin was admitted to Family First Homecare services in October of 2022. Initially, Jasmine was confined mostly to her bed. She could only be up with Contact Guard assistance, required assistance with all activities of daily living, and used a wheelchair to get around. Although her trach was removed prior to being discharged from the hospital, the majority of her nutrition was received via the feeding tube. Jasmin was homeschooled for the first year following her accident.
The Power of Positivity
Jasmin does not let her circumstances define her or her capabilities. This was evident in the massive butt-kicking she gave her clinical manager in a game of mancala when she ended up with 40 marbles and her opponent 8. She is someone who always sees the best in this world and in people and is always smiling. Jasmin looks at old photos of her parents and grandparents and speaks fondly and lovingly. She remembers them with a smile and a gesture of the sign of the cross. I have witnessed moments of Jasmin and her brother Cruz dancing a Mexican dance together. Jasmin loves cheer and dancing.
Jasmin returned to High School in August of 2023. She was discharged from Family First services in March of this year, 2024. This transition signifies Jasmin’s progress and the strides she has made in her rehabilitation. The support that she received from her family, caregivers, and healthcare professionals was always greeted with positivity and a big smile from Jasmin.
Looking Towards the Future
Jasmin’s story serves as an inspiration to anyone who has experienced tremendous loss. It is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and thrive even in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Although discharging Jasmin from homecare services brings mixed emotions for all, it represents a new chapter for Jasmin. A chapter where she continues to grow and thrive with the love and support of her family and the continued therapy she will receive. This is a moment to acknowledge her accomplishments and to look forward with hope and optimism for the future.
Written by: Tracey Johnson, Jasmin’s Clinical Manager