Everyday Angels

Everyday Angels simply serves as a conduit between our compassionate community and our neighbors, who find themselves in often dire seasons of life. God has blessed us with the medium to inform, inspire, and move our readers as we come together to serve our community. It is an honor and blessing to serve Cherokee County. On these pages, we share updates from some of our 2020 features.

Jessica Blake continues to heal from her injuries.

Jessica Blake

On Sept. 11, 2020, Jessica Blake, 19, was a passenger in a fatal car accident on I-75. “Jessica and I would like to thank our wonderful community for the outpouring of local support during this emotional time. I am pleased to tell you that in December, Jessica was released from her neurosurgeon, thoracic surgeon and neurologist’s care. Jessica will have another surgery on Jan. 11 on her arm, which we pray will allow her to have better mobility, and then she will resume her stringent occupational and physical therapies. She still has a long way to go physically and emotionally, but, with God’s grace, we are confident this too shall pass. Our community has been an amazing blessing to us,” mom, Laura said.

Jonah Moon was diagnosed with leukemia.

Jonah Moon

In August, Jonah Moon, 2, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). “Jonah is moving along in treatment. This current phase involves a lot of hospitalization, and it’s been pretty tough for us, especially during the holidays. We’re about halfway through this phase, and hopefully, won’t have to be hospitalized anymore after the next few weeks. We’re so blessed and grateful for people who have shown us so much love throughout this journey so far,” Melissa, Jonah’s mom, said.

Bill Okon

Last February, we featured the story of Bill Okon, 41-yearold husband and father, who suffered burns on 60% of his body requiring major surgeries and skin grafts. “Bill has gone back to work, and is doing better than ever in some respects. His hands suffer as the skin grafts are so fragile, but we Bill Okon and wife, Cameron, before his accident. are just so grateful. We hope to be able to pay it forward by helping another family in the next year. Thank you so much for all you have done. Our compassionate community helped us survive such a scary time,” said Cameron, Bill’s wife.

Israel Everett

On May 30, 2020, Israel Everett, 8, was diagnosed with leukemia, (MPAL), a rare and aggressive type of cancer that attacks the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. “Israel is doing well. He is finding it hard to balance the visit to the clinic with the demands of virtual learning. He is on clinical trial chemo because he had an allergic reaction to one of the chemo treatments. His last bone marrow results showed 0% leukemia cells and his spinal taps have been clear with no leukemia present. We thank God every day for the way Israel is responding, and for meeting all of our needs. The love and compassion that everyone has shown is beyond what we expected. We are so very grateful,” Israel’s mom Tiffany said.

Cindi Dornellas and her daughters.

Cindi Dornellas

In June, Cindi shared her personal story of her husband’s sudden, unexpected passing and the raw and emotional challenges she and her daughters were facing. Throughout the challenges of 2020, she yearned for the security that she once had with her husband, but our community reminded her of God’s love for her. “We are doing as well as expected as we continue to face life challenges. I am trying to sell my home – our nest egg - and move forward as I remain strong for my girls. We are forever grateful for everyone’s love, support and encouragement,” Cindi said.

Everyday Angels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in your community, e-mail aaeverydayangels@gmail.com