Dear editor,
My 19 year old daughter, Jasmin, lost her life tragically in a motor vehicle collision back on March 25, 2019. She became a Type 1 diabetic at the age of 15 years old.
Since Jasmin’s passing, I have done several things in her memory to express to people just how loved she was and to help me deal with her loss. I also wanted to build her legacy so she will never be forgotten.
In June 2019 I started the first JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Sun Life Walk for diabetes in the local area. This specific walk was called The Walk for Jasmin. It was to help raise funds for Type 1 diabetes research for the JDRF. In the last two years, we have raised over $10,000. The support from the local community has been phenomenal.
I then decided to start a new project called Project Jasmin. This is a project to spread hope and positivity to young teens who are struggling with any type of issues, whether it be mental or physical.
I have seen Jasmin struggle many times since she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. She was very athletic and outgoing and her life had to change drastically since she became a diabetic. Her whole lifestyle had to change.
As she was in a few divisions in minor hockey, she had to stop between periods during a game to test her sugar. She had to watch what she ate and at what times she ate. She used a different classroom that was set up in St. James high school because she would need extra time to do her test because of her diabetes.
Most times, any stress or illness would mean sugar levels fluctuating and would often result in her being in the hospital for a few days. Diabetes is not to be taken lightly and can mentally and physically take a toll on a young teen. This is why I thought of Project Jasmin.
For 2020, I have done a small fundraiser to help with the project. I first sold these keychains that says, “You are worth it!” The letter T in worth is the Celtic symbol for strength. This is to remind everyone that they are worth it and even though they are struggling, there’s always hope and positivity.
The support from selling the keychains was amazing. Now I have also started making a Christmas ornament in honour of Project Jasmin. These are only small fundraisers but have had a huge success. For 2020 there are four mini-projects in place.
One has been given out to a student originally from the Codroy Valley area, another will be given to a student in St. James Regional High School, another in Grandy’s River school, and another one has been given to a student in the St. John’s area, whose family is originally from Isle aux Morts.
These names are not made public yet as they are waiting to receive the Project Jasmin Memorial gift. To each recipient they are given a keepsake from Project Jasmin to remind them to stay positive, always have hope no matter how hard it gets, and for them to know that they are always loved.
Thank you!
Trudy Walters
Jasmin’s mom