Jasen Strand Sept. 15, 1984 ~ June 21, 2010

Mechanical Engineering student at Cal Poly Pomona, it is with great sadness that we announce the untimely and unexpected passing of Jasen Strand. He was truly a role model, mentor and inspiration to all who met him. Jasen passed on Monday June 21, 2010 from a Tracheo-Arterial Fistula - a complication of the trach for which he was dependent on for breathing.

The following link is only one of many sources of information regarding this condition. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16368206.

Jasen was diagnosed with Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 6, it was at this point he committed to himself that he would enjoy life to its fullest. He signed up to play ball with the Challenger Division, which is where kids with any type of disability from blind to wheelchair get to play ball.

We bought him a power wheelchair and in no time he had learned how to do “wheelies” and “doughnuts”. We removed most of the grass in our back yard and built a WMX (wheelchair moto-cross) track with jumps and banked turns just like the motorcycle tracks. Soon after, his friends would come over and borrow his wheelchair to compete on this track.

From this, Jasen learned there was nothing that could stop him from accomplishing any goal he set out to conquer. When Jasen was thirteen, his beloved service animal Cora found him. It was love at first sight and they never parted until Cora passed from cancer at the age of 12.

Jasen also loved being an uncle. He would give nieces, nephew and cats rides on his wheelchair. Jasen enjoyed going to the beach, Vegas, monster truck shows, concerts, NASCAR, and competing with his RC car. He smiled and laughed everyday; he was always thinking of the care of others and how he could help.

He assisted with tutoring; he had the patience, knowledge and care for those he would teach. Everyone that met Jasen admired his courage, strength in life and his belief to never give up and do it all.

Jasen attended Cal Poly Pomona to become a mechanical engineer. There he amazed his professors and colleagues with his ability to do his work through Dragon Natural Speaking and Math Talk programs for his computer. He always impressed his professors with his outstanding performance on all of his assignments. As result of his academic accomplishments Jasen was awarded two Golden State Exam Scholarships. With the support of his parents he was able to achieve his goals.

Jasen leaves behind his parents Peter and Tina Strand; sisters Brandace and Candace Jackson; Grandparents Naomi Strand and Elaine Jackson; nieces Cassidy Jackson and Trista Ramos; nephew Connor Holland; along with many uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.

Jasen\’s parents invite anyone that is just learning their child has a disability or has been living with a disabled child to e-mail them at FaithBelievejs@aol.com. Remember, you are not alone.

Visitation for Jasen will be on Saturday July 03, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Chapel located at 11500 Arlington Avenue, Riverside, California 92505 (951) 689-1441. Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Services entrusted to: Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary (951) 689-1441.

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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

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