Trolls sent her hateful messages after she revealed her pregnancy – then she shares what she went through
In the past twenty two years ago Jessica Quinn enjoyed playing outdoors with her sibling showcasing her impressive balance and agility. Unfortunately a fateful moment occurred when she slipped off a soccer ball and fell, resulting in a fracture, in her thigh bone. Surprisingly her fractured state perplexingly resisted the healing process over the months leaving doctors puzzled.
At eight years old then Jessica received the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. To save her life surgeons performed a procedure in New Zealand.
Explore further to discover the story of this woman who now embraces activities such as running, swimming, dancing and soon to be motherhood!
Jessica Quinn was born and raised in New Zealand. At the tender age of eight she faced a bone ailment that ultimately led to a life saving amputation.
A lively child, at heart Jessica—now transformed into a thirty year old—recalled how it all began during her adventures when she showcased her athletic abilities and unknowingly embarked on a journey intertwined with cancer.
“I was playing outside with my sister when I decided to show off my balance and impress everyone by sitting on a soccer ball. But then gravity had plans and I ended up falling and breaking my thigh bone ” she explained. “I was quickly taken to the hospital where they performed surgery to fix the fracture. Unfortunately it took three to four cycles of recovery efforts without understanding why the fracture happened in the first place.”
As time went on and no progress was made the young girl endured examinations in an attempt to uncover the mystery, behind her bone healing.
The surprising revelation came when they discovered she had osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that starts within the cells that make up our bones.
To combat this she began an intense treatment of chemotherapy which came with its set of challenges including a significant drop in weight down, to just 18 kilograms.
“It became clear that this was the option to fight off this illness and protect my life ” Jessica explained firmly her voice filled with determination.
However various factors came into play that influenced the situation. The previous injury, to my limb cast a shadow making the risk of metastasis. Additionally efforts were made to fix the bone by inserting rods, which made bone grafts or similar options impractical. The ultimate goal was without a doubt to save my life.
There were two paths ahead of her like the diverging forks in a metaphysical crossroad. The first option was a ” hip disarticulation,” which involved amputation reaching up to her hip socket.
“However this choice didn’t provide any support for a limb. Deprived me of knee movement. As someone who wanted to feel normal as a person this path fell short.”
On the hand there was an innovative approach called rotationplasty. It involved orchestrating maneuvers on her anatomy that resulted in removing an intermediate leg segment and then reattaching it to her thigh after performing a 180 degree turn. Her ankle took on the role of her knee joint while her calf became part of her thigh.
“I became the person, in New Zealand to undergo this improvement ” she shared.
Embracing her life, dreams and physical transformation. Her knee now serving as a foot, with determination Jessica has recently authored a book titled “I’m Still Standing.” She embodies athleticism. Serves as an inspiration on the fashion runways of New Zealands Fashion Week.
Jessica is a symbol of unwavering strength making her mark in the world with a million strong TikTok following and a quarter million followers on Instagram. Through her social media presence she challenges the idea of perfection.
“I aimed to break free from the standards of perfection portrayed in the medias intricate web. My goal was to embrace bodies like my own representing reality ” she shared in an interview with the New Zealand Herald.
Moreover Jessica remains accessible to her followers who can engage in conversations, with her mind.
Amongst her messages one question stood out; “Do you hide your vulnerabilities?” In a six video montage she confidently stands beside her prosthetic limb. The visual message is accompanied by these words; “During my years I concealed my limb to avoid prying eyes.”At the age of twenty nine I said no!
Many admirers came forward to express their admiration. They encouraged me to take pride in my achievements and share my story with enthusiasm and passion. One person even remarked, “You are truly extraordinary!”
Being an advocate I had the opportunity to participate in “Dancing, with the Stars” in 2018 and through that experience I was able to raise $55,000 for New Zealands Child Cancer Foundation.
Combining the act of walking with the endeavor of dancing truly represents how I have ventured beyond my comfort zone. It brings me joy to see how my message has positively influenced young individuals who seek to create lasting memories.
@jessicaemilyquinn Do you hide your insecurities? That was me for so long. Follow if you want to know how to accept your body 💃🏻 #bodyacceptance #bodypositivity #fyp ♬ original sound – Meli Mels
Despite all my successes I often find myself reflecting on the ups and downs of my journey. Recently at the end of year when looking back on everything that happened I shared these thoughts with an audience of, over 1.1 million followers.
The caption said; “It has been twenty one years since I went through an intense fourteen hour surgery to save my life. This unique surgical procedure was seen as a resort. It will always be remembered as a significant part of my journey. If only I could travel back in time I would share stories of the life I have built over these two decades—a journey filled with experiences. Here’s, to stories yet to be written.”
People praised her eloquently; “The spirit you possess and the confidence you radiate truly resonate deeply. You are an embodiment of something a symbol of uniqueness.” Another person added, “The challenges you have faced have shaped this version of yourself—a story that shines brightly.”
However admiration is not always what one receives.
The radiant woman, who got married in May 2023 is now embracing the prospect of motherhood. Yet there are individuals working tirelessly to undermine her earned self assurance.
In a video that captured the attention of 3.5 million viewers Jessica bravely addresses the comments she has received. One comment asks about the identity of the person, for her pregnancy to which she responds with resilience. She remains unaffected by criticism. Takes pride in her journey that led her to this moment. She finds support in her community, who stand by her despite these detractors. Its disheartening to see these negative remarks arise as her message spreads and reaches those who’re unfamiliar, with her story highlighting how judgments based on appearances are flawed.
Her loyal supporters come forward with words highlighting the emptiness that defines those who spread hatred anonymously. Their negativity stems from their lack of fulfillment. Reflects their inner sadness.
Another person says, “The way you handle situations and stay strong despite challenges makes you a symbol of inspiration, in the story of my life.”
