Jiu-Jitsu Jac
Story by Katrice Williams

Devoted wife and mother Kelley Bouchard has become a brilliant author in her own right after writing her first children’s book, Jiu-Jitsu Jac: A Story of a Special Girl, which became available at more than 15,000 online retailers December 5.

The book tells a beautiful story about Kelley’s own 15-year-old daughter Jacqueline, nicknamed Jac, who was diagnosed with microcephaly shortly after she was born. Through Jac’s tremendous strength and remarkable attitude, readers are able to enjoy an inspiring story about the importance of “being strong, having great friends and family and always believing in yourself.”

“I was really excited to be able to share such a special story with so many people,” Kelley says.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬

Hours after she was born, Jac started having seizures. An MRI revealed that the tiny infant had suffered brain damage about one week prior to her birth. Jac was treated at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Memorial Health University Medical Center for twelve days before going home.

“It was really devastating news at the time. They told us she might not walk, talk or even hear,” Kelley says.

Thereafter, Jac was diagnosed by neurologists with microcephaly, or “abnormal smallness of the head, a congenital condition associated with incomplete brain development.”

The news hit Kelley and her husband Joe harder than most could ever fathom. Kelley remained in denial about it all for nearly a year. Over time, Jac endured therapy as a result of challenges in her development.

Even with all the challenges, Jac has always been an amazing girl—bright, kind and courageous, with a huge personality. She has enjoyed participating in various activities over the years, whether sports or ballet, just like the other girls her age.

However, when she began to experience seizures again while participating in ballet, Jac became quite discouraged and withdrawn. Her parents wanted her to be a part of an activity that she would truly enjoy.

Jac’s dad Joe has known Carson Fortner, owner of Pooler Karate, Krav Maga & Jiu-Jitsu, a martial arts school, for many years. Several years ago, Joe began training at the school. Kelley herself began taking jiu-jitsu classes there as well, along with her two sons Joseph, 12, and Uriah, 8.

𝐉𝐢𝐮-𝐉𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬

More specifically, the family participates in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, “a self-defense martial art and combat sport that focuses on taking one’s opponent down to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission.”

 Kelley encouraged Jac to give jiu-jitsu a shot. Jac agreed, and she began taking classes. Jac has been a member of the school’s “Special Kicks Program” for about three years.

Under the leadership of program director Millie Orme, Special Kicks is a non-profit that helps special needs individuals enjoy the craft. Whether those with autism, Down syndrome or military amputees, to name a few, Special Kicks allows people with various disabilities to foster a love for the sport; individuals are able to train in either a group or private setting.

The family spends a lot of time at the school, as Kelley is also an instructor there. It works out well with the family’s schedule, especially since the devoted mom has been homeschooling her children for a long time.

“Jac is a part of that program; of all the programs she could have chosen, she chose jiu-jitsu,” Kelley says.

Jac is very proud that she can participate in jiu-jitsu; she is currently a yellow belt and just recently earned another stripe to be added to her belt.

She was ecstatic when she was given the opportunity to have a special match with the leader of her particular team­—Sergio, who happens to be a black belt. Jac handled the match with skill and grace. And she certainly gave Sergio a real run for his money.

“She really loves jiu-jitsu; she enjoys training. She recently started working on the mats with the younger children—the two to five year-olds. She loves helping them. She goes all in. She loves everything about the school and everybody at the school. She used to be shy, but she feels very comfortable at the school,” Kelley says.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤

Kelley had long aspired to write a story about her daughter’s experiences with microcephaly, along with how their family’s faith helped them through a lot of very difficult circumstances. Interestingly enough, Millie, who is also an accomplished artist, encouraged Kelley to put her heart into a children’s book instead. Kelley loved the idea, and she enlisted Millie’s assistance with illustrations.

“The story was so easy to tell, and Millie came back with the most beautiful illustrations; she’s a great artist,” Kelley says.

In addition, Kelley reached out to Sydney Mangaroo, a Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) student to finish the illustrations. Upon completion, Kelley submitted her work to a variety of publishers, soon finding that to be the most “daunting” task associated with the whole process; it can often take up to six months just to hear back from a publisher.

“I submitted to close to 20 publishers. I just wanted Jacqueline’s story to be told,” she comments. That said, Kelley eventually found a self-publishing company to publish her book.

Jac is grateful for the opportunity to have her story told; she hopes that she can help others facing similar challenges.

“Jacqueline is very proud that she gets to share her story. Hopefully, it will fill [others] with empathy—those who have never come across anybody with special needs. I want people to know that just because someone may look different or express themselves differently, they want to be loved, to be accepted and to have friends just like anybody else in the world. My hope is that people will read it and realize there is hope,” she states.

When Jac has been down at times, Kelley reminds her that she has been allowed to share her experiences with so many people—that her light can shine in the lives of countless others.

“I certainly feel it’s worth sharing to give hope to others, so they’ll be encouraged and know that just because something looks bleak, it doesn’t mean that’s how it has to stay. No, it hasn’t always been rainbows. It’s hard work. It’s tears. I’ve had to really process some things; sometimes I think I’m still processing them. There have been some devastating things to happen, but there have been really good things to come out of this that wouldn’t have otherwise. I choose to try to focus on the good,” Kelley says.

Looking ahead, Kelley, who is now a published author, is excited about her upcoming book signings. She is scheduled for a signing in the local area soon; she is also planning for another in her hometown of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Kelley does not discount just how blessed her family has been, and she gives credit where she knows it is due.

“Certainly, my faith in God has helped me,” she says. Kelley is also tremendously appreciative for her husband Joe; the two will soon celebrate their 20-year anniversary.

“I’m thankful for my husband. We’ve been through this together; we’ve had to work together and make things happen,” she adds. Joe is well-accustomed to diligence, commitment and work ethic, as the dutiful dad is a medically retired serviceman. Joe served as a U.S. Army Ranger from the 1st Ranger Battalion; thereafter, he spent time as an instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

 Kelley doesn’t leave out the two other very special guys in her life—her sons Joseph and Uriah, who have been a real blessing. They absolutely love their big sister to pieces.

In addition, Kelley is grateful for her parents—her dad Charles Beaver and her mom Melody Beaver. “They have been amazing. They have been so helpful, supportive and encouraging,” she says.

Kelley appreciates the opportunity to reach others with Jac’s story, and she feels confident that it will help other children and parents who may have similar stories.