My story
**A Journey of Resilience: The Story of Jodi Kristen Bisio**
Jodi Kristen Bisio is the founder of JHEM "reawaken yourself" an organization dedicated to providing guidance, support, and a safe space for individuals struggling with mental health and trauma. JHEM, which stands for the initials of Jodi's four children, was born out of Jodi's own personal battle with PTSD, a condition she has dealt with since a young age.
Growing up as the youngest in her family, Jodi learned the importance of compassion and support from her busy parents. She has always had a passion for helping others, volunteering at hospitals and senior centers throughout her life. Jodi's experiences have shaped her into a fierce advocate for those in need, always ready to bring a smile to someone's face.
Through JHEM, Jodi hopes to provide a sense of belonging and hope to those who reach out for help. Her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others is unwavering, and she is committed to creating a safe and supportive community for all who need it.
--- I have always believed that genuine compassion for others is an essential part of who we are as human beings.
Jodi explained to our staff that she vividly recalled a poignant moment from her childhood that ignited her passion for helping others. When Jodi's great-grandmother passed away—may she rest in peace—she found herself in a hospital, surrounded by patients who appeared lonely and despondent. As a young child, Jodi was struck by the stark reality of their situation. It was then that she said she asked herself, “How can I bring a smile back to their faces? And how can I restore a glimmer of hope in their eyes?” Jodi went home that day and approached her mother, inquiring whether there was any way she could volunteer her time to support the sick and vulnerable in hospitals. Jodi goes on to tell us she just knew in her heart that she could uplift those solemn faces and bring joy back into their lives.
Jodi paused as she sat there reminiscing and started off by saying how she embarked on her journey as a candy striper, dedicating her afternoons after school to delivering flowers and building meaningful relationships with patients in acute care, hospice, and long-term facilities. While the experience was rewarding she said, it was also heartbreaking. Jodi became frozen at the emotions that hit her as she explained how each shift brought the painful realization that she might arrive to find a friend she had made had passed away. Jodi learned that life goes on, and she had to keep moving forward, praying for the families left behind. However, the burden of these losses weighed heavily on Jodi's heart and mind, setting the stage for the anxiety that would later unfold.
As Jodi grew older, she told us that her life journey became increasingly complex, The shame of feeling like a failure haunted me, "I just didn't get why I was so Emotional", "Irritated", "Stuck", the fact she was hearing things that were not there just was the biggest frustration of them all, I didn't know why, but all I knew was that as the years went by I just lived with it, not explaining what I was going through because, I just figured I'd be alone or looked at like I wasn't normal, so I hid it.
I found myself in a downward spiral, after coming open with my struggles, drowning myself in alcohol and what was one of the more severely active cases of PTSD, she didn't reach out because nobody seemed to care, she explained, "I was grappling with unhealed trauma and a long-overdue diagnosis of PTSD that had gone untreated and of course my "generalized anxiety" she added.
The year 2016, Jodi had found a psychiatrist that dug deep and eventually really got to the bottom of it, but it was to late for what was the most important part of who I wanted to be, she said, "That was being a mother". Jodi had our staff in tears, and what felt painful experiences she was trying to explain to us, Jodi looked like she was reliving the experience just by telling us what it was like, the pain you could see in Jodi's cried out eyes was not only heavy with more tears but also confusion, Jodi told us how hard it is to be away from her children, they were not fair she says, the justice system, the facts, the evidence, even after being cleared of any form of harm to her children and their upbringing, they denied her, Jodi went on and explained "they gave my babies to someone that has a lot of anymosity towards me, and it's just not okay.
26, Jodi received a mis-diagnosis of schizophrenia which was actually a severe case of untreated PTSD which turned in to CPTSD over time and a diagnosis of Severe Generalized Anxiety disorder, this
event that irrevocably altered her life. Yet, in December of 2019, Jodi welcomed her last child into the world, a little prince who transformed her outlook on life. He reignited Jodi's passion for what truly matters: my children, my family, and my own well-being, she told us.
With him by her side, she rediscovered hope, resilience, and the importance of patience. I returned to school full-time as a Paralegal in Law and balancing her studies with the challenges of parenting a child diagnosed with autism, it felt like a piece of cake some days, and some days I just had to make sure that my son had everything he needed in our backyard and in the house to keep him busy, she stated, he had all the toys in the world, too a big swing set and treehouse and a gigantic pool for the summertime he just loved to his big bouncy castle that had a hug slide and pool attached, along with tons of miscellaneous toys, just incase she says, for the days I just can't be in a world that I didn't feel wanted me, or understood me to Despite the hurdles, Jodi persevered and graduated in 2023 with honors, achieving a remarkable final standing of 92%. Jodi and her family were so proud of her accomplishments, but life had more trials in store.
Since leaving the father of her two children Jodi still has not been able to leave behind the memories that left her in an entangled custody battle that has been an emotional rollercoaster for all involved. It has been a tumultuous journey, but I hold onto the belief that whatever path is chosen for my children, it is in their best interest. Jodi says her heart aches for those who find themselves alone in their emotions, just as I once did. For years, Jodi has navigated life’s obstacles, often feeling as though she was scraping by, struggling to pull herself back up after each fall.
The tragedies Jodi has endured have left indelible marks on her soul. The loss of her best friend to violence while she was pregnant with her second son, and the murder of her cousin that raised her, was murdered by his wife just hours after leaving her home, she explained to us that these experiences will carry with her forever. Testifying in a murder trial while eight months pregnant was a harrowing ordeal that Jodi will never forget. Additionally, the heart-wrenching loss of Jodi's niece and nephew in a house fire shattered her world. Jodi told us that she vividly recalls the last time she saw her niece, sitting at her kitchen table, drawing her a picture. Jodi's niece had asked to spend the night, but she didn’t argue with her nieces mother, who had planned a mother-daughter day for them. Just five hours later, Jodi received the phone call that would change her life forever: her beloved niece and nephew had perished in a fire.
These experiences have shaped Jodi into the person she is today, driving her desire to help others find solace in their darkest moments. jodi understands the weight of silent suffering, and Jodi is determined to ensure that no one has to endure their pain alone. Jodi's journey has been fraught with challenges, but it has also been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She smiles telling us how she strive's to be a beacon of hope for others, to share her incredible story of resilience and painful experiences that she has overcome to help advocate for those who feel voiceless.
Jodi asked for us to share one more important note that she wanted to make note of while getting ready to leave the studio.
---Together, we can create a community that uplifts one another, ensuring that no one has to navigate their struggles in isolation,
Let us stand together in solidarity, offering compassion and understanding to those who need it most. After all, we are stronger when we lift each other up.---Jodi Kristen Bisio