JACK’ S LIFE MISSION IS SOWING SEEDS OF HOPE!

HOPE…It’s a word that holds much weight and is so very crucial when we are being faced with circumstances that bring unspeakable sorrow. The little boy I have the privilege of highlighting today I will only meet face to face when I too reach Heaven’s gates. His name is Jack Ready, and he is the inspiration of one of our most cherished local nonprofits warmly known as JACK’S HELPING HAND located at, 710 Fiero Ln. STE 16, San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93401. Jack Ready is a precious little boy born to Paul and Bridgette Ready. Sadly Jack’ life ended here on earth in 2004 due to a rare form of brain cancer. It was then that he was ushered into heaven at the tender age of 3 years old. To say that JACK’S life has had meaning and significance is an unquantifiable understatement. To recant the full impact of those who have been touched by his journey here on earth, would be impossible for me to put it into mere words.

Jack Ready, even as a young boy, was given a mighty LIFE MISSION that has left a beautiful legacy for years to come. JACK’S HELPING HAND was founded in 2006 by his loving parents Paul and Bridget Ready. An organization that was created in honor of Jack’s memory. I can’t think of a better way to carry the torch of HOPE than to help families cope with the specific needs of their children facing difficult diagnoses! And who better than Jack to light our way! Though Jack had physical limitations even as an infant, his limitations were NO match for his giant spirit, which resembled that of a seasoned warrior. His tenacity allowed him to accomplish many milestones. Though aided by special equipment, Jack was able to do, like other children, some of his everyday tasks. He learned to how effectively communicate, how to eat independently and even play games! There is nothing quite like the spirit of a young child who just wants to have fun!

Chairman and Executive Director Leslie Orradre spoke to me about sweet little Jack. I was moved by her heart as she shared that not only was Jack the inspiration for this tremendous organization, but she had the privilege of spending quality time with him and his parents as his speech therapist. Many of us can’t imagine the anguish families experience when their child is diagnosed with a terminal illness or a life-altering set of special needs. According to Leslie, in an instant the family can feel overwhelmed by the sudden critical decisions related to the quality of life and quality of care on behalf of their child. This is especially true when time is of the essence and the hand of time is vital to the outcome. Today because of the bravery and heart of a little boy named Jack Ready many children’s lives are being saved and positively impacted. JACK’S HELPING HAND are sowing seeds of HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT, fueled by the compassion of those who either know this journey intimately or have a heart of empathy for those facing these heartbreaking situations.

I strongly believe that JACK’S HELPING HAND was one of little Jack’s GREATEST accomplishments here on earth! The SEEDS that the Ready family, their friends and our gracious community have planted are producing a fruitful field of LOVE and SUPPORT. JACK’S HELPING HAND serves an average of 300 families a year. From medical travel expense bills to guiding them to many essential resources, they help families take their next steps in their unexpected journey with their beloved child.

I believe we are ALL created on purpose and for a purpose. Jack Ready’s life is every reason to seek out ways to serve those in our communities. A child with special needs will have special needs. OUR HELPING HAND can assist JACK’S HELPING HAND help a child and /or family receive valuable resources. The seeds we sow together by grace and compassion can produce a bountiful harvest! We want to thank Paul and Bridget Ready and their supporters for teaching us all how to turn our trials into a triumphant MISSIONFIELD!

Here are a few tangible ways for us to lend a helping hand! 😊

1. SOW SEEDS into their programs such as: Little Riders, Little Swimmers, Beach Wheelchair, Toy Lending Library and Camp Reach for the Stars.
2. SOW SEEDS into their events such as: Annual BBQ, Golf Tournament, Holiday Party.

TOGETHER AS ONE, WE CAN CARRY ON JACK READY’S LEGACY OF HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT!

For more information visit www.jackshelpinghand.org

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Sincerely,

Kim Wybenga