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
Going Your Way, end-of-life care documentary
Earlier this month, Nine PBS released Going Your Way, a new documentary that focuses on the personal, medical, and spiritual issues surrounding end-of-life care, the options available, and steps that can be taken to put those wishes to practical use. Genny and Matt Jessee are featured in the film—and touch on the profound impact that palliative care made for them during their time caring for June.

“When the palliative care doctor was willing to recommend things that weren’t going to cure June, but make her more comfortable, it made a lot of sense to us,” said Matt.

The documentary’s title highlights the active role many people are now taking to ensure their death goes according to their own plans and wishes. It underscores the importance of end-of-life planning and that it doesn’t have to be painful. In the film, Genny goes on to explain, “I used to be afraid to ask if she was dying…I thought the doctors would think that I wanted her to die. Once I met the palliative care doctor, I could ask her those things and not feel judged.”

You can stream this important film on the PBS app or watch online to learn from experts and real people who have stories to share about preparing for life and death.

Community Support
The JJMF “Not-So-Haunted House” Halloween Party!
We had record breaking attendance at our beloved annual Halloween Party at The Magic House. With appearances by FREDBIRD® and Louie and loads of creative costumes to admire—it was a memorable night where families enjoyed exploring the museum together.

One JJMF parent shared…“Thank you for hosting events for special needs families! It gives us opportunities to have experiences in the community without being judged.”

Thank you to all of our volunteers and JJMF Youth Board for their help to make this annual gathering a success.

If you attended the Halloween Party and would like to share your feedback to help us shape our plans for next year’s event, please take a moment to fill out our guest experience survey.

On the Blog
Spotlight: Tips for Making Your House Inclusive & Accessible this Halloween
This month, JJMF Community Engagement Manager, Karlita Blackwell, shared some helpful tips on how to make your house accessible and inclusive for Trick-or-Treaters this Halloween season.

Read the blog here

Bookmarked
Readers are taken through several autumn and holiday themed activities as characters prepare for Halloween in Cal Everett’s festive and inclusive book, Halloween is Coming!