Years ago, when I blogged for a major metropolitan newspaper, I wrote a post about giving back and I got skewered by another blogger. Apparently, talking about charitable giving in her world isn’t cool. She considered it to be self-serving. I didn’t. The blog highlighted five charities that we’d supported during the holidays as an illustration of how to raise a civic-minded child and in the hopes that it would get them continued donations.
Lots has changed since 2010. Shortly after I wrote that blog, my tween started having debilitating migraines. She had a couple of major unexplained sports injuries. She was having trouble getting out of bed, was dizzy all the time and had a rash that no one could diagnose. In December of 2014, she spit up a blob of blood in a Walmart parking lot. It was the beginning of very expensive and emotionally taxing journey to find out what was wrong. It would take two years for her to be diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Last fall, she was unable to keep any food or water down and was diagnosed with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome. We spent over a month in the hospital which was long, boring and scary. Every single person that came to visit, sent a card or dropped off a gift, made those days a little lighter. Children’s hospitals do a great job with activities and surprises for younger kids, but when it came to teens, there’s a gap. My daughter decided to do something about it.
Last week, my teen sent out the first #teamjaiden #joystory package. Months of planning went into the launch. She came up with a name and found a blogger to create the logo for her. Reached out to companies herself to solicit donations for the packages. Asked my blogging friends to send things, like make-up, that they get in the mail but just can’t use. And, then she created an application process for tweens, teens and young adults.
To qualify for a #joystory package, you must have a medical condition requiring a medical device OR have a diagnosis of cancer or another life-threatening, terminal, degenerative and disabling illness. Once you apply and are approved, there’s a waiting list. My daughter creates each box specifically for the recipient so it takes time. But it’s worth it. Take a look.
Jaiden’s had lots of applications and is in the process of putting together the next round of boxes. She’s continuously in need of donations, both monetarily to pay for postage, and products. Currently, she has a need for things for younger kids because she is seeing an increase in applications for local children. If you’d like to support, please follow her on Instagram. Want to make a donation? Please contact us directly or you can send things from the #teamjaiden wish list on Amazon.
Seven years later, I am definitely not sorry that I taught my teen to be charitable or that I wrote about it. I think she’s proven that she’s not only a quality person, but that she deeply cares about others. She’s sharing that joy with others. That makes my heart sing.
Cris of Kiss My Tulle says
I love this and have a bunch of stuff in a box that I can donate in a few months.
debcb says
Awesome! Thanks so much Cris!
debcb recently posted…What you don’t see
Courtney says
It’s so cool to see what she’s doing and that you’ve taught her to give back.
debcb says
Thanks. She’s become a quality person.
debcb recently posted…What you don’t see
Romy says
This is totally amazing! I love when they learn to give back when they are young.
debcb says
I think it’s important to teach them.
debcb recently posted…What you don’t see
Kendra says
She is such an amazing young lady. Love that she’s doing this.
debcb says
Thanks Kendra and we appreciate all your support. It was awesome of you to shop for her at the party store clearance.
debcb recently posted…What you don’t see
Kate | Life of a Ginger says
You have one amazing lady there! I’m so happy I could help in a small way.
debcb says
You did and thanks so much!
debcb recently posted…What you don’t see
carrie says
This is such an amazing thing that Jaiden is doing! <3 I think it is so important to teach our kids how to give back & why it is important to give back to others. Looks like you have done a good job of that, mama! 🙂
Jessica Holoka says
Your daughter is amazing. Seriously! What a kid!
Brooke Pakulski says
This is such a beautiful way to give back! That’s an awesome lady you’re raising!
debcb says
Thanks and we appreciate all your support Brooke. We couldn’t do this without out you.
debcb recently posted…What you don’t see
Stephanie says
So proud of her and how she continually gives back despite her own circumstances. Jaiden is such a special girl.
debcb says
Thank you and we really appreciate you supporting this project by sending goodies!
debcb recently posted…What you don’t see
Ashley says
She has such a great heart! I love how she’s putting all of this together for others in need.
Jamie says
Your daughter is am amazing inspiration and you should be so proud of her (but I already know you are!)
debcb says
Yes, I am!
debcb recently posted…What you don’t see