Not just a wow, but WOW! Experiences?

As we move past Mother’s Day and head towards Father’s Day, I want to launch Soapbox Tuesday (day late) focusing on moms and dads.  Not just any mom or dad, those diagnosed with late stage cancer and share a story about a special foundation lead by Jon Albert called The Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation.

Many are or have been affected by cancer, it does not discriminate between race, income, or title.  Families, with one parent battling late stage cancer, struggle to keep any form of normalcy in the home with their children.  Daily concerns cover work, medical treatment, medical bills, insurance, holidays, vacations, and the future memories for the children and each parent!  Through his own personal loss of his spouse, mother to his two children, Jon with Jill experienced this situation personally after she was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. 

“When a parent is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, a family’s world is immediately turned upside down. Our supporters appreciate these children who are facing the imminent loss of their Moms and or Dads deserve a timeout from cancer to create cherished, lasting (indispensable) memories as a family… while they can.”

Words won't express what you can view in the multi-media gallery on the website that shares personal stories you'll find heartwarming after heartbreaking.  Challenge yourself to stop for the next 5 minutes, review and reflect.  Absorb for a moment the emotions of these mothers, fathers, and children removing yourself from your own hectic day and concerns.

“See the JAJF Family Photo Gallery and enjoy a few of the thousands of family photos. There is no cancer in these images. Smile as you see the smiles and happy moments each JAJF family enjoyed on their WOW! Experience. Smile knowing your support provides directly for families to create lasting, cherished memories together... while they can.”

The soap box challenge, share forward this foundation’s mission and story to family, friends, and co-workers as more families will be referred into this treatment by their oncologists.

“For JAJF to be “prescribed” by Oncologists across the United States as part of the treatment process and protocol is extraordinary. JAJF has now treated families from 44 states. Sadly, it is just too easy for us to find young Moms and Dads in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s dying from cancer (despite the advances in research) leaving behind their children. We gain our families strictly from Oncologist referrals.”

Next, maybe make a personal donation or see if your employer would like to be a corporate sponsor (check first to make sure they are not already).  And last, if you own a company and/or have the ability to donate a wow experience for future families, than please reach out to the foundation.

 “Dads and Moms passed away knowing their children will always have the fun, positive memories as their greatest inheritance. Thank you for helping JAJF be the only organization in the country: Treating the families; not the cancer?.”

In closing, I chose to share this story because I met Jon Albert many, many years ago right after Jill passed and the foundation was just getting started.  He and I had several conversations about his vision and loss but unfortunately through my own busy life I had all but forgotten about Jon and Jill Albert.  That was until this past weekend when I received his WOW MOM email campaign.  An all too familiar issue for many of you!

 I've learned that life has more serendipity in it than we think, you just have to slow down enough to see the signs!

My admiration for Jon and Jill Albert and their compassion for life is well worthy of a foundation to support.  www.jajf.org

From the Soapbox, 

J. Todd Pierce