2018 Swing Giveaway 20+10=30

 

It was our intention to give away 20 of these amazing swings but with over 80 responses we felt inclined to add another 10.  SO WE ARE GIVING AWAY 30 SWINGS!  We sure wish we could give one to everyone.

Entries were taken from a link posted on Facebook and then recipients were chosen randomly using Random.org.

The 30 recipients are below.

As witnesses to the degenerative cruelty of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), we founded Jadon’s Hope Foundation (JHF) in honor of our son Jadon (aka “The BUG”.)  Jadon was diagnosed with SMA at two months of age and we will  celebrate his 9th birthday on June 25, 2018.  JHF’s mission is to promote SMA awareness, fund research efforts and support families just like you that are impacted by and fighting this cruel disease.  Shortly following his diagnosis, we were given the phrase “Life isn’t about waiting for the storms to pass, It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”  This has become our mantra.  Our battle cry.  And we hope others facing the raging storm that is SMA will also learn to “Dance in the Rain.”

Jadon’s Hope Foundation is 100% volunteer based, so all fundraising efforts go towards supporting our mission and funding the many programs we are honored to be a part of.  Since Jadon’s diagnosis, we are proud of the opportunities we have been involved in to support the SMA community:

• Over $50,000 donated to help fund gene therapy research
• Funding support partner for the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation “Project Mariposa”
• Purchasing 35+ pieces of adaptive equipment for the Cure SMA equipment closet
• Funding twenty Angel Arm wishes through Jacey’s Journey
• Providing medical supplies to SMA families
• Funding gift cards to SMA Medical Supply
• Partnering with Getty Owl Foundation in 2016 to provide 20 platform swings
• Funding projects to make homes and vehicles accessible for use
• Granting fluidized positioners through JHF “Snug as a Bug” program
• Granting 5 customized high-raised beds through JHF “Bed of Hope” program
• Helping fund doctor/medical specialist visits
• Providing financial support for Celebration of Life services as families say good-bye to their precious ones

We invite you to learn more about JHF at http://www.JadonsHope.org.  Make sure you keep up with foundation updates by Liking our Facebook page – Jadon’s Hope Foundation.  Please post pictures of you using your new swing to our Facebook page; our supporters love to see all of Jadon’s amazing warrior friends!  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly at jadonshope@sbcglobal.net.

 

Again, congratulations on to our 2018 Summer Swingin’ program recipients! 

Not Pictured – Jericho Chadsey

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass,
It’s about enjoying a good swing.

A Moment

In the heat of the battle, when the pressure is on, during the crunch time before a big event there are moments when the purpose gets lost.  Things become a process that simply needs to be done.  A task list takes the place of intention and care.  The other night I was up late as there was so much to get done before the event “Bettin’ on HOPE!” actually happens on Saturday.

I was sitting at the desk working on two computers, cropping pictures, adding words, making cards, and making videos.

I knew I was tired when I began thinking out loud in this strange voice that echoed my every thought.  Believe me you, most of my thoughts are not worth echoing.  Knowing that crazy little voice, as it has appeared before, I knew I was about to hit the wall. 

Instead, I hit the recline lever, closed my eyes (hoping I wouldn’t fall asleep), took a deep breath and experienced a moment. 

Opening my eyes I looked at the two screens full of beautiful SMA faces and I saw things differently than before. Those faces didn’t represent a project that needed to be completed.  Those faces represent beautiful beautiful lives.  Lives that I am honored to know about.  Lives I am honored to serve.

Those faces represent every reason we started a foundation. 

I love the abilities I have been given to serve a higher cause than myself.  I dislike when I lose sight of that cause even for a moment, when the process overtakes the reasons. 

I sat back in awe of all those faces who fight the same fight every day that Jadon fights, all those families that fight the same fight we fight.  They represent the struggles and the challenges that we feel each and every day.

I am one blessed guy to be serving a God that allows me to know these faces, to know their stories and to be a part of such an amazing life.

I think we all struggle with whether or not we are doing what we were meant to do and I have no idea if I am on the right path or not, but I know that in that particular moment everything felt right.  The work changed from being just a process to an honorable role.  I took great care to make sure Lizzy’s picture was in the right place, I double checked to make sure Charlie’s name was big enough, and I double checked that I had Samantha’s “favorites” correct.  I felt that they were all here watching… and it was awesome.

I don’t know what the event itself will bring but all this work has already been worth it.