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…

GLOW x JJMF Limited-Edition Candle
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, spoil someone you love and support the JJMF by purchasing a limited-edition GLOW Candle. Shop here.

On the Blog
Caring for a child with a medically complex condition often triggers trauma responses in parents and caregivers, as stress and anxiety levels are consistently high. Through her journey caring for June and navigating grief, Genny has learned the importance of trusting herself to relieve the lasting effects of trauma. Read more in Genny’s latest blog as she embraces “trust” as her focus and inspiration in 2023.

Resource Spotlight | Self-care
Check out our self-care downloads, including the H.A.L.T.S. Assessment and the Mindfulness Body Scan Exercise. You can also find our interview on the topic of ‘Taking care of yourself while caring for your child’ in our Navigating Neurological Conditions education series, featuring Katherine Aravamudan, mental health therapist on the neuro floor at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Bookmarked
Genny’s January Book recommendation is the beautiful Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change – a simple-to-use guided notebook about the positive experiences in your day. It focuses on lessons you can learn rather than any mistakes you may have made. If you need help snapping out of a funk, this journal is for you!

Community Connections | Virtual Music Therapy
Music Therapy is off to a jubilant start in 2023! A family favorite, we’re excited to continue this free virtual activity for our community. Find some of the songs featured in our sessions on our YouTube Channel and don’t forget to sign up for the next session on February 11.

Staff Spotlight | Karlita Blackwell
We are excited to welcome our newest team member – Karlita Blackwell, JJMF Community Engagement Associate. She will combine her incredible skills as a social worker, advocate, and, most importantly, a rare disease mother to connect with families and build upon our supportive and understanding community. Welcome, Karlita!