Losing someone we love is one of life’s most profound heartbreaks, but losing a twin—someone who shared the most intimate spaces of life with you—is an indescribable pain. My identical twin sister, Jordan Leigh, was not only my sibling but my other half, my first friend, and my lifelong confidante. Her absence feels like a void that no words can ever fill.
Jordan’s legacy
Jordan was a vibrant, hardworking, and talented soul who poured her heart into everything she did. From becoming a flight attendant at just 17 to showcasing her artistic talents and singing with a voice that could silence the room, she inspired everyone she met. She was a shining light, but even the brightest stars sometimes struggle in ways that remain unseen.
The day I lost Jordan – March the 15th, 2023, my life changed forever. The pain was overwhelming—a deep ache that reached into my soul and shook the foundation of who I was. Grief isn’t linear; it doesn’t follow a neat progression. It’s messy, raw, and full of emotions. Some days, the pain feels unbearable, a heavy cloud that overshadows every thought. Other days, there’s a flicker of light—a memory, a laugh, or a song that reminds me of the joy she brought into my life.
Grieving Jordan has been the hardest journey I’ve ever faced. As a twin, you’re bonded in ways that are impossible to explain. We shared everything—our childhood dreams, our struggles, childhood trauma, and even moments of silent understanding that only twins can have. When I lost her, I felt as if I had lost a piece of myself.
Setting up the foundation
Amid the pain, I realized that grief, as all-encompassing as it is, can also be a catalyst for action. Something clicked in my brain – I could this tragedy into something powerful that could have a lasting impact. She deserved to be remembered, not just for the incredible person she was but for the struggles she faced and the strength she embodied. Her story had to be shared—not just as a tribute to her but as a message of hope to others who might be silently fighting their own battles.
This is how the Jordan Leigh Foundation was born on March 15, 2024. In her honour, I’ve dedicated myself to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, spreading awareness, and offering compassion to those who feel alone. Through this foundation, we aim to create safe spaces for people to talk, connect, and heal. We fund therapy for those who can’t afford it, provide educational workshops to schools, and distribute RISE UP bags to the homeless—small tokens of hope filled with essentials and affirmations of worth.
Each initiative reflects Jordan’s spirit—her kindness, her drive, and her belief in the power of helping others. While the pain of losing her remains, the foundation allows me to transform that pain into power. It gives me a reason to rise up every day, even when the weight of grief feels too heavy to bear.
To anyone who has lost someone they love, I want you to know this: you’re not alone. Grief is a shared human difficult experience, and while it’s uniquely personal, it connects us all. For me, honouring Jordan’s memory through the Jordan Leigh Foundation has been a way to channel my pain into something meaningful. It’s a way to ensure her legacy lives on—not just in my heart but in the lives of everyone we help.
Jordan, you will forever be my other half, twin baby girl number one, and my reason to keep going.
Jodi McCullough
You can find out more about The Jordan Leigh Foundation by clicking here.
