On a serene Sunday morning in Jasper, Alabama, sunlight streams softly through the windows of a vibrant room brimming with creativity and resolve. A young woman sits in front of her laptop, making slight movements with her head, each gesture sending signals to a device positioned on her forehead. On the screen, lines and shapes morph into words, and soon, a lovely greeting card begins to take form. A gentle smile graces her face. Her name is Janey Carter, and her journey is truly remarkable.
Eight years prior, Janey was a lively, athletic 17-year-old, the type of student who filled the halls of Cordova High School with joy and laughter. As she approached her senior year, she was full of aspirations and dreams. However, that summer morning, while heading to volleyball practice, everything changed.
Janey lost control of her Jeep, leading to a catastrophic crash that would forever change her life. Doctors later described her injury as one that few survive: her skull had been detached from her spine. It was nothing short of a miracle that she survived.
Rods, plates, screws, and prayers were what kept her together in the months that followed. At UAB Hospital, doctors worked diligently to save her life, while her family remained steadfast, refusing to lose hope. Every breath and every flicker of movement was a triumph.
When Janey finally opened her eyes, the world she returned to was drastically different. Paralyzed from the neck down, she confronted a reality that could have shattered many, but Janey was not like most.
“I had to make a choice,” she shared in an interview. “I could dwell on what I lost — or I could focus on what I still have.”
And what she still had was her mind, her heart, and an unwavering spark of creativity.
Eventually, Janey discovered a technology called GlassOuse — a hands-free device that allows her to control her laptop with slight head movements. Through this technology, she found a way to express herself once more. With each careful movement, she began creating digital art, leading to the birth of an idea.
Janey established her own company, Paper By Janey, an online greeting card business that crafts heartfelt, custom-made cards for every occasion. Each card is designed entirely by Janey — made with patience, imagination, and love.
What started as a means to stay connected with the world has evolved into something much larger. Her cards now travel nationwide, carrying messages of joy, comfort, and inspiration — each one a testament to her unyielding spirit.
“It takes time,” Janey acknowledges. “But every card I finish reminds me that I’m still capable of creating something beautiful.”
Her story has resonated far beyond Jasper. Recipients of her cards often express that they feel something unique — as if each card carries a piece of Janey’s courage. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have reached out, calling her an inspiration.
Yet, Janey doesn’t view herself that way. “I’m just doing what I can with what I have,” she smiles. “If it helps someone else keep going, then that means everything to me.”
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. There are still tough days — days when the pain feels overwhelming, and memories of her former abilities resurface. But then she gazes at her screen, at the soft colors and hopeful words forming under her guidance, and she remembers how far she has come.
For Janey, Paper By Janey is more than just a business. It symbolizes survival, creativity, and faith. Each card she designs is a quiet act of defiance against the odds that sought to halt her life eight years ago.
Those closest to her say that Janey’s light shines brightest in how she uplifts others. She creates cards for birthdays and weddings, but also for grief, illness, and healing — messages that remind people they are not alone. In every design, there’s a touch of empathy that only someone who has endured immense pain can truly convey.
Her mother once remarked, “Janey has this incredible gift — she makes people feel stronger, even when she’s the one who’s faced the unimaginable.”
This is indeed true. In a world that often rushes past small miracles, Janey’s story compels us to pause — to recognize the beauty in resilience, to believe in what’s possible when love and determination intersect.
Eight years after the accident that nearly took her life, Janey is not merely surviving — she’s creating, she’s inspiring, and she’s thriving.
Through her cards, she conveys a message that transcends paper and ink: that even when life alters everything, your purpose can still flourish in unexpected ways.
So, on this Sunday — as Janey sits by her laptop, the gentle glow of her screen illuminating her serene smile — she’s not just crafting cards. She’s reminding us all that even the most shattered moments can transform into something profoundly beautiful.
If you’d like to share your thoughts or encouragement, Janey will personally read every comment. Let her know how her story has impacted you — because sometimes, a few kind words are the greatest gift of all.
