I had the privilege of meeting the most incredible fighter I have ever met: Erin Brielle Jasper. She may have only weighed 2 lbs. and 15 oz. when she was born, but she is one mighty warrior.
Erin Jasper demonstrated her strength and stamina the day she was born, from what her mom, Doris, recalls.
“Born the day after Halloween, I remember lying in the hospital room praying for my child’s survival,” stated Doris. “It was on that beautiful day, the moment I saw her face and learned that she would be okay with no physical disability or developmental delays that we would be just fine.”
Her family was amazed to see her grow and development over the month she was in the hospital.
“In the NICU unit, they had a little tube that they had to nod her head up and down. I didn’t miss a day of the NICU unit,” recalled her granny, Eloise Thomas. “It was just awesome to see her ears come out and see her eyebrows grow because she had none of that.”
Over the years, Erin’s life has been a testimony of grace for everyone around her. Her beautiful personality blossomed over the years, and she has consistently brought joy to everyone around her. Seeing her optimism, it would be hard to believe that she has had to overcome major challenges over the years.
“In 2020 on a fall day, my most precious child exhibited a few rare symptoms in her body that signified that something wasn’t quite right,” remembered Doris. “I quickly took her to the pediatrician. After countless examinations, medications, and even a trip to Texas Children’s Hospital via the TCH Kangaroo Crew Jet in October 2020, I knew that there would one day be a profound message for my family to learn and share with others. After a week of heart wrenching questions to the doctors, we learned that our precious, then seven-year-old daughter would be diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that had no known cause. Luckily, as a result of prayer and faith, we dodged the bullet of an immediate liver transplant. I was so thankful!”
Through that trial in her life, Erin remained steadfast and positive. She demonstrated a large amount of faith and even uplifted her mom with encouragement.
“Ironically, what stands out the most from those memories is Erin’s unrelenting desire to continuously pray, fight, and remain encouraged while walking along her journey,” proclaimed Doris. “I have to admit, I remember experiencing an emotional break that caused me to fall into her very arms. I remember her words verbatim: ‘Momma, have faith. I’m going to be just fine. God won’t leave us.’”
While the experience isn’t very enjoyable for Erin, she has figured out how to stay positive and knows exactly what she would say to anyone else facing the same circumstances.
“It was kind of hard for me and was the worst feeling you could ever have,” said Erin. “Cheer up, and you’ll get better like a flash of light.”
Erin’s selflessness is apparent to all those around her, and she has even been awarded at school for her caring nature.
“Her gym teacher, Coach Hampton at the upper, text me one day and said that Erin is real good about helping the kids in the disabled class,” informed Doris. “A lot of times, she’ll be the one to go and reach out to help them and play with them and that she won a paw pass for helping them.”
Although she is only in third grade, she knows exactly what she wants to be one day. She intends to become an OB-GYN in the future so that she can help save babies who are born prematurely like she was.
She enjoys her childhood despite the frequent doctor visits for lab tests. She loves shopping and has different hobbies that she does.
“My favorite thing to shop for is Nintendo games and stuff,” declared Erin. “I like to turn flips and bake cakes. I like to make vanilla cakes with white icing with sprinkles. I used to do gymnastics.”
It is obvious that her faith is strong, and she enjoys attending church.
“I go to Annointed Word Church,” said Erin. “My favorite part is being there with my granny.”
With each passing day, Erin will continue to spread love and joy to everyone around her. She will always be an example of grace and strength for everyone around her.
