Jia's Journey

At Intensity Gymnastics, we have the privilege of coaching incredible athletes who inspire us daily. One of these amazing young athletes is Jia, an 11-year-old gymnast who has been part of our gym family since she was just a baby. Over the years, Jia has excelled at every level, demonstrating exceptional talent, determination, and a love for gymnastics that lights up our gym. This summer, she proudly achieved Level 7, a testament to her hard work and passion.  

However, Jia’s journey took an unexpected turn this past summer when she suffered a severe sickle cell crisis that left her with limited mobility in her shoulders and hips. Despite her incredible strength and spirit, her challenges grew when doctors recently discovered that the bones in her shoulders are deteriorating due to lack of oxygen. Jia now faces a major surgery to restore her health and mobility, requiring a complex procedure using bone marrow to support the healing of her bones.  

Even with this difficult prognosis, Jia has continued to come to the gym, doing whatever she can. Gymnastics is her whole life. It’s where her closest friends are, where she feels at home, and where she finds joy even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Intensity Gymnastics is her second family, and we have watched her continue to inspire everyone around her with her resilience, positivity, and beautiful smile.  

Jia’s family is also an integral part of Intensity Gymnastics. Her mom serves as our operations manager, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, and her brother leads our after-school program, guiding and mentoring our youngest athletes. This family is truly at the heart of our community, and now we have an opportunity to support them during this difficult time.  

We are reaching out to our gymnastics community, families, and friends to rally around Jia and her family. The road to recovery will be long, with medical expenses and rehabilitation costs adding to the stress. Together, we can help lift some of the burden and show Jia just how loved and supported she is by the community she’s been such a vital part of.  

Please consider contributing to Jia’s GoFundMe and sharing her story. Every donation, big or small, will help Jia and her family focus on what matters most: her health and recovery.  

Thank you for your kindness, support, and generosity. Jia is a fighter, and with your help, she will get through this stronger than ever.  

With gratitude,  

Intensity Gymnastics