Last year’s JonJam was successful in every way. There were hundreds of people that came together to help Jon get back on his feet again. For those not familiar with Jon, he fell in August 2008 and severed his spinal cord leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. He was a few days short of receiving benefits from his new job. So without medical coverage and insurance, there were many bills to be paid and no rehab. Jon’s friends and family organized a joint-effort event called ‘JonJam’ to raise money for his current and future needs. From the event, Jon was able to pay some medical bills, help with medical supplies, and get a remodel almost complete at his parents’ house for a handicap accessible area just for him. The remodel is still underway but would definitely not be this far along without everyone’s help. It is amazing what a community can do for someone when they come together. It is hard to put into words how much this helped him and his family. It lifted such a burden and helped lighten a very heavy load. His family will be forever grateful for the generosity of so many people. It is truly remarkable how when many come together to for the same purpose what can be achieved.
So after watching this take place, several people want to continue these efforts and give back to the physically disabled individuals in our community. Our group has decided to form a non-profit organization called ‘The Jon Lee Foundation’. We will continue to host the annual JonJam and begin raising money to fulfill the hopes of another dream.
This year our plan is to open a used medical equipment facility for the Wiregrass area to help people with disabilities of all ages. The location will be at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center. The JonJam Project will be a central place for people to bring any used medical equipment for us to refurbish and inventory. The items will then be circulated and loaned out on a first come, first serve basis. Currently, there are four centers operating in our state.
In 2009, these centers combined helped Alabamians with disabilities save about 1.4 million dollars. The JonJam Project will house donated items from individuals, hospitals, nursing homes, home health care, etc that include: any type of wheelchair, walkers, canes, crutches, gel cushions, hygiene supplies, respiratory aides, shower/bath accessories, and many more items for individuals with disabilities for all ages. We will then refurbish the items as long as it’s salvageable and redistribute to people in our area that are in need of a specific item which will ultimately help them live more independent lives.
The JonJam Project is still a work in progress. Our organization needs to raise $30,000 in order for this facility to operate. We hope The JonJam Project is the beginning of our dreams to better our community for the physically disabled people in the Wiregrass area.
Proceeds benefit opening of a used medical equipment facility for individuals with disabilities in the Wiregrass Area.
