By Latisha Fields
Just two days before Christmas, Jenna Rogers and her family were invited to attend an Orlando Magic game against the Boston Celtics. The thrilled family arrived to the arena not knowing what was to come.
Jenna was born 6 weeks early at two pounds 14 ounces, and at about five months old she started developing recurring fevers, pneumonia, and slow weight gain. She was admitted every couple of weeks for infections. She later received her first diagnosis of IgG deficiency and was started on a monthly infusion from plasma donors that gives her a stronger immune system. This disease process has worsened through the years and has now become Common Variable Immunodeficiency, and she receives a weekly hour long infusion. Along with these Jenna has also been diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, Juvenile Idiopathic Polyarticular Arthritis, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and multiple other autoimmune diseases that led to her staying in the hospital for 67 days, nearly losing her life.
Jenna has been faced with so much adversity at a young age, but that hasn’t stopped her smile from illuminating the room and bringing joy to those around her with her sweet personality.
“This is huge,” said Jenna’s mother, Kristy. “This time of year we’re still focusing on health and medications and what procedures need to be done and what tests need to be done. For someone to take out the time and focus on fun and give this to her, it’s huge!”
As a Magic Maker, Jenna and her family were treated to a VIP experience that included receiving a personalized Orlando Magic jersey, meeting Nikola Vucevic and Community Ambassadors Bo Outlaw and Nick Anderson, sitting courtside during pre-game, and enjoying the game courtside.
Fans can recommend or nominate a deserving Magic Maker by visiting orlandomagic.com/community and clicking on “Magic Makers.”