WISH Spotlight: Jamie Finds Relief & Purpose in Community at Quest
When Jamie first arrived at Quest, she was living in isolation, struggling with chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and years of medical dismissal. “I went from being a total shut-in who often didn’t make it to the store or to doctor appointments, because of pain and immobility, to being involved in all of this!” she shared, along with a series of photos of herself among her colorful crochet projects, Historical society meetings, puzzle groups, and more.
From Pain and Dismissal…
Jamie’s health struggles began in childhood. “As long as I can remember, really,” she said. Knees collapsing while climbing trees, sudden spinal injuries, and severe infections that seemed to escalate overnight. Her experiences often left her isolated and dismissed. “I’ve been to urgent care for a mosquito bite before, because my whole arm was infected,” she recalled.
As an adult, her challenges intensified. A complicated birth led to years of severe endometriosis without insurance, leaving her anemic and unable to stay awake due to undiagnosed sleep apnea. Even when she sought care, skepticism and dismissal were common: “If I had a dollar for every time I wasn’t ‘old enough’ to have this problem…”
These experiences took a profound emotional toll. “You already feel isolated… you get gaslit a lot… you can’t do stuff for yourself sometimes, so you get down on yourself… feeling like you’re useless… like you’re a burden,” Jamie shared.
To Finding Answers and Validation at Quest
Jamie’s journey shifted when she joined Quest. Through the WISH program, she found what had been missing for decades: listening, explanation, and care tailored to her needs. She described the difference vividly:
“That’s one of the things that I’ve really loved about here, is that every single thing that I learn about, they explain everything… Even when I'm in acupuncture and massage here, I get told what's happening. I'm putting this needle here because… I'm pushing this pressure spot because…”
Through naturopathic care, massage, acupuncture, Qigong, and other mobility-focused exercise groups, Jamie gradually regained independence and confidence. “It took me 4 months of acupuncture to be able to relax,” she noted. “But by weaving in breathing techniques from Qigong, something shifted… that's a sign that your nervous system is calming down.”
The impact extended beyond physical health. She described how WISH helped her feel acknowledged and supported: “Being treated like I have a brain, like I'm an educated person… When everything was falling apart the acknowledgement made me feel like I can take a breath now.”
Personal Healing & Community Engagement
Jamie’s transformation didn’t stop at self-care. She went from struggling to leave her home to becoming an active volunteer and community leader. She found purpose through volunteering and creative projects, often planting “seeds” that blossomed into unexpected opportunities:
Troutdale Historical Society: Executive Board Member; Programs Committee volunteer; Events planner; History Pub and Yarn at the Barn organizer; Newspaper announcements writer.
Yarn at the Barn: Jamie created this program to offer crochet instruction, free beginner supplies, and networking space for fiber artists, including knitters, seamstresses, and cross-stitchers.
Barn Quilt Project: Jamie is designing a quilt celebrating Oregon’s agricultural history, seeking volunteer artists to help execute the project.
Community Art Installations: Alongside friends, Jamie has contributed to public crochet installations, including the Fairview on the Green event, creating large-scale community art that brings joy and connection.
DAR: As a member of the Oregon Daughters of the American Revolution, Jamie acts as Chapter Historian, Co-chair of the Spring Board of Management Committee, she runs a craft club, performs gravesite cleaning, participates in scholarship awards, and more!
Through these projects, Jamie is building skills, networking, gaining references, and even strengthening employability. “The fact that I am sustaining this means I could be employable again… gaining a sense of accomplishment and improving self-esteem, learning how to communicate my ADA needs, the list seems endless.”
Intentional Steps Toward Growth
Jamie’s story reflects a philosophy she holds close: focus on intentional actions and surround yourself with people whose energy and goals align with your own. “If you want something and you can’t handle all the steps to get there… take one of those steps to start, it plants a seed for a path. Choose to be around people who are doing things you want to do and not doing things you don’t want to do.”
Her journey from chronic illness and isolation to healing, learning, and community impact is a testament not only to the power of compassionate, patient-centered care but also to the resilience and initiative of participants like Jamie.
A Full Circle of Healing, Learning, and Giving Back
Jamie’s story is a vivid reminder that healing is rarely linear. It involves medical insight, educational support, physical care, mental health attention, and the power of community. From navigating years of pain and dismissal to leading programs, creating art, and building networks, she exemplifies how one person’s journey can ripple outward, impacting others, building bridges, and inspiring action.
As Jamie reflects: “Plant those seeds!” Each small step, each choice to engage, each act of curiosity and creativity has grown into a life filled with connection, purpose, and hope.
Your support makes stories like Jamie’s possible
When you give to Quest, you’re not just funding programs; you’re giving someone the chance to be seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Jamie’s journey from isolation to active, meaningful participation shows the power of your generosity.
Plant the seed of change today. Your donation ensures that participants like Jamie can continue to heal, grow, and contribute to their communities. No one should have to navigate chronic illness or systemic barriers alone. Together, we can make sure they don’t.
