From Domestic Violence to Vision Loss: Jazmene's FAFTB Story

FAFTB Blog Header - Jazmene's Story

In April 2024, Jazmene was living a normal life. She liked her work and got her three kids to school and sports. She worked hard and looked forward to the future she envisioned for herself and her family and friends.

Everything changed when her ex-boyfriend, without warning, shot her in the head and then killed himself.

Jazmene's kids and neighbors heard the shot and got her immediate help.

"Without my kids and neighbors, I wouldn't be here," she said.

They weren't the only ones looking out for her that day. Jazmene, a medical assistant, said her coworkers were in shock when they saw their friend's name on the charts and tests coming through. They rushed to her side. Everyone hoped for a miracle.

Jazmene was in a coma for 24 days. When she woke up and realized she was in the hospital, her professional training kicked in and she immediately started scanning her body to see what was wrong. Her loved ones calmed her and explained the situation.

"I never would have thought in a million years this would happen to me," said Jazmene. "I am thankful that I am alive and here on this earth."

When she woke up from her coma, Jazmene still had vision. A lot had changed in her life, but by summer, she was trying to enjoy what she could. She spent time with her kids and went on vacation. Then, one day, she woke up, hearing the birds outside, but only saw blackness. Damage to the blood vessels in her cranium caused vision loss.

Jazmene didn't know what to do. She was used to being independent; she cooked from scratch, managed her own finances, and drove a car anywhere she needed to be. Now, she would have to adapt.

Enter First Aid for the Blind. The team was able to train Jazmene on different tools that would restore some of her freedom.

"They showed to how to navigate my phone and do Zoom," said Jazmene. "It helped me out a lot."

Because of her training with FAFTB, Jazmene can use VoiceOver and other digital tools to check her emails and text messages, read her mail, and go over her bank balances. She can also access volunteers at Be My Eyes to help her pick out her clothes.

Jazmene has physical and emotional wounds from her ordeal. She is sensitive to loud noises and other triggers. She has some nerve damage. She still undergoes testing and treatments. Luckily, she has a supportive community – which includes her FAFTB trainers – who are cheering her on.

Jazmene, who recently moved to a new home, remains hopeful that she will get to go back to work and enjoy all the special milestones in her kids' lives, such as graduations.

"I recommend FAFTB because they got me set up in my next phase," said Jazmene. "They were a huge help. I tell a lot of people that they should [use the FAFTB program] when they lose their vision, because it will help them out in in the long run. I'm really, really appreciative."