Our Inspiration
This website is dedicated in loving memory to Jenna Kremer.
The inspiration for American DanceWheels.
Jenna Kremer was born April 8, 1985 and lived in Bala Cynwyd, PA. She was a healthy happy child with an enormous amount of energy and curiosity for the world around her. At age 5 Jenna began experiencing some vague symptoms that included poor balance and an uncoordinated gait. The pediatricians did not feel that her condition was serious so life went on. For the next 6 years Jenna danced, explored nature and the outdoors, played sports, and studied art with all of her peers. Learning was Jenna's favorite activity and she quickly rose to the top of her class and became a member of the gifted students program. Even though Jenna had great success during this period of her life, her physical difficulties slowly worsened. Finally at age 11 the doctors diagnosed her with Friedreich's Ataxia, a degenerative genetic disorder that effects balance, and the coordination of the peripheral and central nervous system making it difficult to walk, write or even speak.
Jenna never missed a beat. She continued to participate in as many activities as she could attend even though her public school was not accessible and many of her favorite activities were in parts of the building that she could not reach. She continued to draw, even though precise motor skills were difficult for her. She continued to study nature even though she had to do it sitting down on a scooter. She continued to play sports using a special bike for people with physical challenges, a special seat for disabled rowers and a special saddle for horseback riders with physical challenges. She also continued to dance inspiring the United States to adapt ballroom and Latin dancing to accommodate one person in a wheelchair and one person standing
Upon graduation from high school, Jenna was accepted to Ursinus College. She moved into the dorm and started her college career. College is difficult for every new student, but the transition for Jenna was more of a challenge because of the physical accommodations that she required. Jenna not only needed an accessible room, but she also needed assistance for activities of daily life, as well as typing and even reading due to her uncoordinated eye movement. Even with all of those special challenges, Jenna continued to strive and meet every academic task that she was given. Ursinus proved to be a dream come true for Jenna. She worked hard, maintained her focus and excelled every single day even though her health continued to deteriorate.
On July 11, 2007 Jenna passed away of heart complications from her disorder. She remains an inspiration to everyone who knew her and the heart and soul of American DanceWheels.
Jenna Haylee Kremer received a Posthumous Honorary Degree in Psychology from Ursinus College in January, 2009.
