IM Jessica Rogers...

2010 Racing Chair Recipient

Jessica is 12 years old. She has a condition of lumbo sacral agenesis/caudal regression syndrome and bilateral leg amputations. Her spine ends at approximately T 7-10. She has resulting paralysis and very small lower anatomy. She has one kidney. She weighs 35 pounds and ʻstandsʼ approximately 18 inches in height.
Jessica was adopted from Brazil. She spent the first part of her life in an isolated crib in a care facility for adults with severe cognitive limitations. She was adopted into a single parent household with many siblings who have different disabilities. Jessica soon overcame her initial delays and proved to be a determined and bright young lady.
Jessica is already an accomplished athlete. She exemplifies the IM ABLE mission because she lets nothing stop her. Even without a racing chair, she found a competitive avenue in swimming and has worked her way up to 7th in the world. She has the fastest breast stroke in her classification in the US. She is the only athlete under the age of 20 in that ranking list. Jessica also greatly enjoys wheelchair basketball. Despite her small size, she gives it her all, often making the key basket or the foul shot under pressure. Jessica is young and enjoys many sports, but due to her size, there are some sports which she is more likely to excel in and the IM ABLE mission speaks to fostering that development so that she can find her place as an athlete. Her new racing wheelchair will open up an avenue currently closed for her and allow her to discover her potential. Jessica demonstrates the potential to represent IM ABLE well as she has already demonstrated an ability to excel in sports and a drive to continue in this passion.