NEW DRAFT - Yes I CAN! 💪🏾

My name is Shanika Jones AKA Nika Boo. I am a 30 year old independent, determined young adult who has conquered many trials. I was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 14, 2 years after losing my mother. Upon beginning high school, I was also diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Sarcoidosis, and Reynaud's Disease. Despite my health issues and numerous hospital stays, I was able to complete and graduate high school and attended WSSU for 2 years. Although I didn't graduate, I managed to get a job at the Forsyth County Department of Social Services for 2 years, along with a few part time jobs, and worked as a summer camp counselor at my church.

On December 10, 2017, after a sleepless night of EXTREME extremity pain and absolutely NO relief from any pain medication, I was rushed to the ER. I remember waking up 2 days later on my 28th birthday. with no recollection of where I was or how I ended up in ICU. After a 2 week stay, I was discharged to a physical rehab facility.

About a week later, I was re-admitted to the hospital. During this return, I was informed that due to complications of my Lupus and Reynaud's Disease, the blood stopped circulating to my fingers and toes, which caused the tissue to die, and the formation of Gangrene, which finally resulted in the amputation of all ten of my fingers on January 5, 2018 and both my legs below the knee on February 13, 2018.

After my 2 month hospital stay and recovery, I was then discharged to Pruitt Health in High Point. During this long 8 month rehab process and daily physical and occupational therapy, not only did I gain strength and courage to persevere through these trials, I also gained relationships with many of the people that took care of me, and those I inspired and came in contact with.

Once I was discharged from rehab and got approved for a handicap-accessible apartment, I realized that it was time to get back into the swing of things, and accepted the fact that despite me almost dying during surgery, I have a second chance at life. I'm just adapting to a different way of living. It definitely gets hard at times, but giving up is NOT an option.

Thankful to still be alive, I have set a few goals for my future. I plan on returning back to work with the help of my Vocational Rehab job coach, and I also desire to have my own vehicle. I have numerous doctors appointments and physical therapy twice a week. I never deny help, but I believe having my own transportation to get to these appointments and work will definitely help to make my mobile transition a lot easier. I have and will NEVER consider myself handicap, disabled, or crippled. Due to my physical limitations, I have to have training to use a special driving device. This 3-4 hour training costs around $700, and upon completion, I am hoping to purchase a vehicle that will be compatible with the device.

I believe completing this training and purchasing a vehicle will allow me to further my education and future employment plans. My health issues have definitely slowed me down, but with daily prayer, and strong family and emotional support, they will NOT stop me! I look at my life as a long highway. There have been many speed bumps and detours, but my faith has gotten me over and through these changes, and looking forward to achieve my goals keeps me going.