TULSA, Okla. — Jasmine “Jazzy” Smith, an 18-year-old Oklahoma singer, is battling a rare connective tissue disorder that has left her nearly bedridden and is now seeking specialized medical care.
A Rising Star Faces a Rare Challenge
Jazzy Smith’s passion for performing has been sidelined by a debilitating illness, prompting a community to rally around her.
- Jazzy Smith, 18, was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) after experiencing recurring joint dislocations and neurological symptoms.
- Her health recently deteriorated, leading to hospitalizations, severe pain, seizures, and sleep deprivation.
- A GoFundMe campaign has raised $15,000 towards treatment at a specialist clinic in Florida.
- Smith hopes to share her story to inspire others facing health challenges.
Smith, who grew up leading worship, dancing, and cheering, found solace and expression on stage. Singing became her sanctuary, a source of peace and hope as a worship leader. But at 16, she began noticing something was amiss. “When I was a dancer, cheerleader, I always dislocated things, subluxed my knees, shoulders, and then subluxed my neck,” Smith said. “Then after like a few months, it just all I started regressing really badly, and I was noticing really weird brain patterns.”
D’Onna Smith
Doctors eventually diagnosed her with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare connective tissue disorder that can impact nearly every system in the body. Months ago, Smith’s health took a dramatic turn for the worse. She endured prolonged hospital stays, debilitating head and spinal pain, frequent daily seizures, and extended periods without sleep.
What are the symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome? EDS can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, including joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, chronic pain, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues.
“I was positive I was going to die just because of all of the stuff I was going through. I had tremendous head pressure. My spinal cord was hurting so badly,” Smith said. For a long time, she felt lost and without answers. “It was really, really hopeless and a dark place,” Smith said.
A turning point came when her mother located a specialist in Florida. The necessary treatment and travel expenses were substantial, prompting the family to launch a GoFundMe campaign. “We started my GoFundMe, and four days later, we raised $15,000, which was so amazing,” Smith said.
D’Onna Smith
In Florida, doctors diagnosed Cervical Cranial Instability, a structural malformation, and Intracranial Hypertension—conditions often associated with EDS that elevate brain pressure and contribute to systemic regressions. Smith is scheduled to undergo 4-6 weeks of cervical curve correction. Each trip, encompassing flights, accommodation, and treatment, costs approximately $5,000.
“We’re just praying that the Lord really provides, and I know he will,” Smith said. Despite her ongoing struggles, Smith is determined to share her story and offer hope to others. “That there is hope and um. God, if. If he’s in the midst of it, he’s gonna get you through it, and no matter what we always have to look up, and we have to keep our eyes on the prize, which is Jesus,” Smith said.
If you would like to contribute to Jazzy’s treatment, you can find more information here.
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