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…

Impact
Meet Kelsie Guerriero, Programs and Development Coordinator 
This month, we welcomed Kelsie Guerriero to our JJMF team as Programs and Development Coordinator. In her new position, Kelsie will focus on expanding respite care solutions for families and assisting with development initiatives. We are excited to have Kelsie on the team and are confident that her passion and expertise will make an impact on furthering our important mission.

Announcing Annie Harper as Board President
As we kick off 2024, Annie Harper was initiated as the new JJMF Board President. Annie has served the JJMF in many ways since its founding, notably as a member of the JJMF Board since 2022 and co-chair of our annual fundraiser, An Evening of Joy, in 2023. We are grateful for Annie’s leadership and look forward to the continued impact she will have on JJMF’s mission as Board President.

On the Blog
Root Down to Rise Up
This month on the blog, JJMF’s Executive Director and co-founder, Genny Jessee, talks about the powerful intention of setting goals for the upcoming year. Connecting with the common yoga phrase “root down to rise up” provided Genny with food for thought as she set goals for JJMF this year; and in the blog she shares further how this phrase could serve as a positive mantra for families in the thick of their child’s medical journey. Read the blog, and let us know if you find the empowering message of “root down to rise up” to be relatable to your life or goals.

Bookmarked
A Year of Positive Thinking by Cyndie Spiegel
Cyndie Spiegel, author of A Year of Positive Thinking, is an honest, empowering voice to help readers realize their inspired potential. Whether you’re looking for courage, repair, inspiration, gratitude, kindness, or wisdom, you’ll find it all (and then some!) in this book. No matter what day of the year you start this book, you’re sure to find more positivity with each page you turn. While the book is organized chronologically by date, you can pick it up anytime, and the daily wisdom will inspire you all year long!

Community Support
Palliative Care Webinar Series
We shared a great resource for families seeking more information on palliative care. The 2024 Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Series includes monthly webinars throughout the year. Some topics include: Palliative Aware Anticipatory Guidance, Hope and “Holding Both”, and Anxiety in Seriously Ill Children and Adolescents. Click here to learn more.

Building Awareness
Mental Wellness Month
January was Mental Wellness Month. In celebration, we shared five practical ways to prioritize your mental health in 2024. Notable mentions include stretching your body and asking for help.