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 Kyle!
Check out adorable Kyle and his family, JJMF community members who recently received a financial assistance grant to purchase a therapeutic seating device called a P Pod chair to keep Kyle comfortable throughout the day. We’re happy that Kyle is enjoying spending time in his new chair! Are you or someone you know interested in applying for a grant through JJMF’s financial assistance program? Find out more about applying for financial assistance here.

Bookmarked 
Normal Broken: The Grief Companion for When It’s Time to Heal but You’re Not Sure You Want To by Kelly Cervantes
Our selected book for March is extra special because it’s written by our JJMF community friend and fellow mom advocate, Kelly Cervantes. Late last year, we were honored to host a book launch event with Kelly, including a social connection event for JJMF community moms and a poignant discussion surrounding grief between Kelly and Genny Jessee.

Normal Broken is written as a “grief companion” to help readers heal, no matter who or what they may be grieving or where they are on their grief journey. Through her honest and candid memoir of her own grief journey, author Kelly Cervantes provides relatability and reassurance while encouraging readers to process their own grief through the practice of writing.

Community Support
Topgolf Parents and Caregivers’ Night Out
We had a great turnout at our Parents and Caregivers’ Night Out at Topgolf! We loved meeting new families, as well as seeing many familiar faces. The highlight of the event was watching the special connections formed between families who understand what it means to care for a child with a medical complexity. We are endlessly grateful for our JJMF community!

Inclusive Spring Break Ideas in STL 
With many families staying local for Spring Break, we shared five inclusive Spring Break activities to check out. Ideas ranged from visiting an accessible playground to taking a drive through Lone Elk Park. To read the full list, click here.

Building Awareness
Developmental Disability Awareness Month 
March was Developmental Disability Awareness Month! This encompasses a variety of disorders including but not limited to: movement disorders, hearing and/or vision loss, and learning and/or intellectual disabilities. According to the CDC, the number of children ages 3-17 who are diagnosed with developmental disabilities has increased from 1 in 10 children to 1 in 6, underscoring the importance of raising more awareness.

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month 
March was also Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. According to the CDC, 1 in every 345 children are diagnosed with some form of CP. JJMF community parent Courtnie shared what her daughter Eliana’s CP diagnosis has taught her family and what a gift her tenacious spirit is to all who meet her.