13-year-old philanthropist Jazmin Headley donates JA$1.4 wheelchair to paralyzed Jamaican author

13-year-old Jamaican-Canadian actress, singer, and philanthropist Jazmin Headley, through her Jazz Me Foundation, has purchased an electric wheelchair valued at approximately JA$1.4 million after learning about the tragic story of Kevin Robinson.

In 1998, Kevin Robinson—then 16 years old—was shot in the back by gunmen while visiting friends in Greenwich Town, Kingston. His life was forever changed. He is now paralyzed from the waist down.

The wheelchair is expected to arrive in Jamaica within the next few weeks and will provide Robinson with greater mobility, independence, and access to opportunities many people take for granted. For Headley, helping Robinson was an easy decision after learning about the trauma he endured as a teenager.

“The thing about Kevin Robinson’s story that touched my heart was how he never gave up,” she said. “His dreams were literally taken away from him,” Headley added, reflecting on the devastating impact the shooting had on his life.

“He had no chance to experience the typical Jamaican childhood—the freedom to run around, climb trees, and take part in certain activities or jobs,” she said.

Yet what has impressed Headley most is Robinson’s refusal to allow tragedy to define him.

“Kevin made the most of his unfortunate situation. He accepted his new life, and that’s hard. It takes a special person to survive and thrive like he has,” she said.

Robinson’s determination has led him to become an author, motivational figure, and source of inspiration for many who hear his story.

“Kevin is such an incredible author and such a hard worker,” she said. “His story going viral after it was republished on social media and in Caribbean National Weekly makes me happy, knowing he’s getting recognized as an author and being able to share his story with the world.”

Headley added, “His experience as a teenager was so traumatic. To overcome such a tragedy and still remain positive—that’s strength, determination, faith, and the will to live.”

When Robinson first learned of Headley’s desire to help, he was stunned.

“One evening I spoke with a lovely lady on the phone,” Robinson recalled, referring to Jazmin’s mother. After researching the young philanthropist online, he was impressed by what she had already accomplished.

“I was really amazed by her. At such a tender age of 13, she’s doing such a tremendous job,” Robinson said. “A 13-year-old should be living her life and doing 13-year-old things, but she’s doing things many grown-ups should be doing.”

Headley believes the new wheelchair will significantly improve Robinson’s quality of life.

“I believe the electric wheelchair will help Kevin in a big way,” she said. “It will make a tremendous impact on his daily life because it will give him opportunities to go to different places and explore different things.”

She added that it will also support his work as an author.

“It will allow him to continue being self-employed as an author because he can get around much easier,” she said. “With the wheelchair, he can go outside to enjoy the sunshine. He will have the freedom to move around and explore.”

For Robinson, who lives in rural Clarendon, the gift will be transformative.

“The road up here is very bad, and my chair cannot manage it. It will help me. I love to go out for a little morning drive and get fresh air,” he explained.

The Jazz Me Foundation is also planning a fundraising initiative to support Robinson’s daily living expenses, Headley said.

“We are also looking into finding a committed donor who can support him financially throughout the year—whether it’s big or small, just for him to have an income,” she said.

“I have a gift to sing and a heart that likes to share. That is the mantra I live by.”

Headley hopes Robinson’s story will inspire people of all ages.

“I don’t want only young people to take something from this, but also adults to be inspired by Kevin’s story,” she said. “I want it to motivate them to go out there and do good in the world because, as I always say, if you’re in a place where you can help others, why not do it?”