Jazz Turner, a 27-year-old sailor from Seaford, East Sussex, is defying the odds after receiving a terminal diagnosis, choosing to pursue her dreams by circumnavigating the UK solo.
Facing the Challenge
Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-a condition that has led to various health complications-Jazz was told by doctors that she might only have two years left to live. Despite this grim prognosis, her focus is on quality rather than quantity of life. “They can’t give me a real estimate because my condition is so poorly understood, but I’m completely prepared,” Jazz stated. Her attitude reflects a broader support system comprising her partner, friends, and fellow sailors from the boating charity Sailability.
A Sense of Freedom
Sailing has become an essential outlet for Jazz, allowing her to escape the constraints of her disability. “It’s the one place where nobody sees me as a wheelchair user or disabled or a girl. I’m just a sailor,” she explains. This passion not only facilitates a sense of freedom but also gives her a community of individuals who share her love for the ocean.
A Record-Breaking Voyage
Last summer, Jazz undertook a grueling 28-day journey that made her the first disabled woman to complete a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland. The voyage was fraught with challenges, including extreme weather conditions, physical pain, and the threat of fainting due to her condition. Yet Jazz met every challenge head-on: “Every time I felt ready to give up, the sea or nature would bring out that magic something that I needed and suck me back in,” she reflected.
Life Beyond the Diagnosis
Jazz’s life journey has not been easy. She faced adversity from a young age, dealing with family struggles and homelessness in her late teens. Yet, with support from her sailing community, she found resilience and strength, eventually reconnecting with her foster parents who helped her rebuild her life. After receiving her terminal diagnosis in December 2023, she made a decision to stop treatment that was more debilitating than beneficial: “What I decided was that I would plan as if I have forever, but live as if I only have today.”
Conclusion
Jazz Turner’s remarkable journey is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability in the face of life-altering challenges. Her story serves as a reminder that living fully in the moment can often bring unexpected joy and connection, even in the most daunting circumstances.
Original source: Open the source
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