Encouragement takes many forms. It can be as simple as a word or a smile. For 15-year-old Jenna Yee, encouragement takes the form of bracelets made with love.
Down but not discouraged
Jenna is an active teen who loves riding a horse her family has leased for six years. She particularly loves barrel racing. So what does a girl do with all her time and energy when circumstances keep her sidelined? Jenna started making friendship bracelets to sell online.
“I tore my ACL,” she explains. “I couldn’t get out or walk for a long time. I was stuck in bed for 2 weeks and on crutches for 2 1/2 months. I needed something to keep me occupied.” She noticed that friendship bracelets were trending, so she decided to give it a try.
Spreading joy
“I am donating ten of my bracelets to Albie Aware to offer encouragement to clients when they may need it most.” She also donated one to Executive Director Amanda Nelson.
Each of Jenna’s bracelets are unique and she prides herself in
the quality of her work. “Every one is a piece of art,” she says. “My cousin helped me put up a website and I started selling them online this summer. Now, I’ve had a few sales outside of California and that is so exciting. My family and friends have helped a lot and I’m so grateful.”
School and life during a pandemic
Jenna is a freshman at Inderkum High School in Natomas and, like many students this year, she attends classes online through Zoom. She says, “It has been a huge adjustment, but it’s getting easier because people are doing whatever they can to make it work.” She hopes to be back in the classroom next year.
She lives with her parents, Melvin and Deanna Yee, her sisters, Beth and Megan, a goldfish, and two dogs, Ellie and Panda.
A desire to help others
Jenna decided she wanted to volunteer to help people. “I originally wanted to volunteer at a nursing home because I wanted to do something medical, but nursing homes aren’t taking volunteers because of COVID. So, I was watching a show called Alexa & Katie and one of the girls has cancer on the show. Then, I went online and found Albie Aware.”
We’re here for you
Albie Aware offers encouragement in many forms. Please contact us with your medical or financial concerns, or if you just need to hear an understanding voice.
