Several of Miss J. Alexander’s friends have organized a GoFundMe on his behalf following the recent reveal of his 2022 stroke.
“For years, the incomparable Miss J. Alexander brought grace, humor, and unforgettable style into our homes as a beloved coach and judge on America’s Next Top Model. Known for their warmth, wit, and dedication to uplifting others, Miss J. has been a guiding light to models and fans around the world,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Today, Miss J. needs our support.”
The post continues, “As the public now knows, on December 27, 2022, Miss J. suffered a debilitating stroke and was found unresponsive in his apartment by his niece. After spending five weeks in a coma, Miss J. was left unable to walk or speak. He spent almost a year and a half in a rehabilitation center without much use of his body or his voice. This time span included additional mini-strokes, seizures, and four additional hospitalizations.”
The page, which was created on Friday, February 20, states that while privately recovering from the stroke for the “past three years,” Miss J. has been “bravely fighting” but “struggling to live independently.” Amid Miss J’s recovery, he is looking to “secure full-time, round-the-clock care and help with the on-going regular physical, speech and occupational therapies.”
“He is currently confined to a wheelchair stemming from what we hope is only temporary paralysis and his right arm remains immobile,” the post continues. “While he has shown incredible strength and resilience against all odds, the financial burden of ongoing treatment, specialized care, and daily living support is beyond overwhelming.”
The fundraiser was created with the purpose of helping Miss J. with his “mounting bills and medical expenses.” The amount raised will go toward “rehabilitation services, in-home care, medical bills, and essential living costs incurred on this long road of recovery,” per the GoFundMe.
“If Miss J.’s kindness, humor, and iconic presence have ever made you smile or laugh, please consider giving back during this difficult time. And if you’re unable to donate, sharing this page with your community is another powerful way to help,” the post reads. “Let’s all come together for someone who has inspired confidence, individuality, and joy in so many of us.”
The GoFundMe has a goal of $100K and has received about $554 in donations at the time of writing.
The GoFundMe comes in the wake of Miss J’s appearance in the documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model which premiered on Netflix earlier this month. In the doc, Miss J. revealed he suffered from a stroke three years ago and still could not walk.
“I didn’t know where I was other than in the hospital,” he said. “I spent five weeks in a coma and I couldn’t walk and I couldn’t talk. And I thought to myself, what was I going to do?”
Miss J. explained that he lived in the hospital for “one year and five months” because he “couldn’t walk and couldn’t speak.” While in the hospital, he was visited by former America’s Next Top Model costars Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker. (Barker and Manuel also appeared in the documentary alongside Tyra Banks.)
“It was emotional. I cried. I am not ashamed to say that I cried. Then once I was in the hospital, Jay and Nigel came to visit,” he recalled. “I thought back to how we used to do shows together. I cry because I just miss them so much.”
Miss J. shared that Banks has not visited him at the hospital but the pair have communicated about a potential visit.
“No, not yet. She just sent me a text that she wants to come and visit me,” Miss J said. “But no … not yet.”
