She sprinted through life with a heart full of faith and love. Armed with that same faith and love, she sprinted into the faithful and loving arms of her Savior.
Jasmine Claggett was an extraordinary young woman whose life is now being celebrated by countless others who were impacted by her positive spirit, her fun-loving nature and her uncompromising determination.
At the tender age of four, Jasmine lost a kidney to cancer. For Karen and Dwight Claggett, the close-knit family found themselves facing a struggle they never imagined. But the struggle was bordered with a firm belief and dependence on God…a treasured gift they passed to their beautiful little girl.
The North Versailles family, which includes Jasmine’s two older sisters,Amber Rowe and Kara Claggett, has been long-time members of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church, North Versailles. It is here that Jasmine left a lasting impression, not only within the religious community, but also the community at large.
Her race in life proved to be one of faith and fortitude. In remission for the next 21 years, Jasmine never faltered in her conviction. Nor did she surrender to the fear that is so prevalent with the continuing battle against cancer. Armed with her own strength and perseverance, this fearless young woman beat the odds through the challenges she faced throughout her young life.
An outstanding athlete who loved sports, Jasmine graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan University, completing her Master’s degree in Athletic Training. Following her educational quest, she was employed as a trainer with UPMC Sports Medicine and Obama Academy. From WVWU to UPMC to Obama, her impact upon the lives of others left an indelible mark on those whom she touched throughout her journey. It was without fear or trepidation that the gifted runner accepted her new challenge when the cancer returned with a vengeance.
On June 4, 2015, at the age of 25, Jasmine Claggett ran the most important race of her life as she sprinted into the open doors of Heaven. Rev. Barbara A. Gunn, pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church describes her best. Stating “Jasmine is a testament to courage.”
Gunn witnessed Jasmine’s growth throughout the years and states with a smile, “She chose a profession that requires one to be “at the top of your game…perfectly healthy. But I believe Jasmine shook her fist in the face of cancer. It was as though she took a stand, as she did with everything in her life, and defied the cancer.”
Gunn continued with tears in her eyes, “The best way I can describe Jasmine is still waters run deep. She was very soft looking, but strong; intelligent and an independent thinker…spiritual, passionate, very approachable and very easy to love.”
Those sentiments are echoed by so many, including Rae Emerick, Associate Athletic Trainer at WVWU. “Jasmine’s personality was awesome. She was kind, had an upbeat philosophy, and always found time to help others. There was a gentle calmness that connected her.”
Because of that connection, Jasmine’s light continues to shine. In honor of this distinctive athlete, West Virginia University has renamed their Bobcat Track Invitational to ‘The Jasmine Claggett Invitational.’ The college has also established a scholarship in her name. UPMC Sports Medicine has renamed their Rookie of the Year Award to ‘The Jasmine Claggett Rookie of the Year Award.’
Reverend Gunn feels strongly that “Jasmine should not be a passing light.” Because the legacy of this amazing young woman “embodies the principals that represent her life,”
Mount Carmel is instituting the beginning of Jasmine’s Camp, a training ground that will give young people tools to succeed in life. The mission of the two-week summer camp “is to provide an ongoing effort of developing the next generation of leaders through leadership and moral development…via sports activities and programs, under the capable guidance of professional athletic departments and management.”
The session, for ages 11-14, will be held during the summer school break, and is scheduled for the weeks of July 25 and August 1 at the Crestas Ball Field, North Versailles.
On Friday, May 20, Jasmine’s Pep Rally will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton, 101 Mall Blvd, Monroeville Mall from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. with former Steeler Mike Logan kicking off the pep rally for the summer camp. Tickets for the fundraiser are $75 per person, $750 per table of ten. Tickets can be ordered online at: jasminescamp.myevent.com. Further information can be obtained by calling 412-823-4049.
Like us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Pittsburgh-Courier/143866755628836?ref=hl
Follow @NewPghCourier on Twitter https://twitter.com/NewPghCourier
Download our mobile app at https://www.appshopper.com/news/new-pittsburgh-courier