Newsletter December 2023
Providing relief and support to help children with devastating medically complex, neurological conditions and their families in the St. Louis area and beyond.
Here’s what we’ve been up to…
Community Support
Holiday Family Event
We had a blast at our first ever Holiday Family Event. The JJMF Youth Board put together a fun event for children with medically complex, neurological conditions and their families. Children participated in activities and parents/caregivers had the opportunity to connect with one another. Each child with a medically complex, neurological condition left with an adaptive toy collected during our Adaptive Toy Drive. We are so grateful to our Youth Board for putting this event together!
Impact
Birthday Cards
Did you know that the JJMF sends birthday cards to children in our JJMF community every month? In 2023, we sent over 175 birthday cards to celebrate these important occasions. If your child didn’t receive one but would like to in 2024, please email info@junejessee.org with your child’s name, birthday and mailing address.
Bookmarked
You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman
This month we featured You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman. As Tillman leads her readers on an uplifting story, little ones are reminded of their special and unique place in the world. Combined with dreamy illustrations and a rhythmic cadence, Tillman draws in her readers in a fun and inspirational way. We love sharing our favorite books with you! To end the year, we compiled an easily accessible list on our blog of all of the books that we recommended in 2023.
Building Awareness
Meet Maximo
Maximo is an adorable toddler who just turned 2! He loves to eat lots of different foods, and enjoys stroller rides, traveling on airplanes, Christmas lights, and listening to his dad play musical instruments. Maximo’s mom, Andrea, recently shared how the sense of community gained from connecting with other families experiencing similar challenges has been inspiring and beneficial to their family since moving to St. Louis from California.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Virtual Music Therapy Dates
January 20th, February 10th and March 9th
9:00 AM CST on Zoom
Join us for our first fun virtual music therapy session of 2024 on Saturday, January 20th at 9:00 AM CST. Sing along with instruments, interactive songs and exciting themes as Maria Carron, owner of Midwest Music Therapy, leads us in virtual music therapy. Maria specializes in music therapy with a special focus in neurological conditions. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
Galentine’s Day Shopping Party at Tradd Street
Tuesday, February 13th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
9792 Clayton Road, Saint Louis, MO 63124
JJMF community moms, supporters, and friends are all invited to join the JJMF team for this fun event benefiting our mission! Enjoy sips and bites and connect with friends (new and old!) while shopping Tradd Street’s beautiful collection of clothing, home goods and gifts. All are welcome – feel free to bring friends! A portion of proceeds from sales all day will be generously donated to the JJMF.
