Jack and Jill Foundation Paying it Forward

Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation

By SAMANTHA SITT

At 9 years old, Shelley Jones’ life was changed forever when her father, Ralph Jones, lost his battle with cancer. This is a story many of us know all too well.

When a parent is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, children are faced with the imminent loss of their mom or dad at an especially vulnerable stage in their lives. It often becomes a struggle to find a timeout as a family, away from cancer and free from doctor’s appointments, medications and treatments. This is why the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation (JAJF) has been committed to treating the families, not the cancer, for more than 16 years.

Memory-making, WOW! Experiences After Ralph Jones was diagnosed with cancer, his oncologist referred him and his family to JAJF for an essential timeout together as part of their treatment. These timeouts in the form of fabulous trips are also known as a WOW! Experience. JAJF receives its families solely based on an oncologist’s prescription, working with a coalition of medical partners across the nation.

The Jones family checked in at the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, North Carolina, on the first day of their WOW! Experience. Breathtaking trips to waterfalls, relaxing spa treatments and delicious meals were all included in the Jones’ itinerary, allowing them to create lasting memories Shelley still holds onto today. Since its founding, JAJF has treated thousands of families to prescribed timeouts at destinations from Florida to Hawaii and beyond.

Paying It Forward: Make An Impact with JAJF JAJF’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt national public charity, this is the most highly coveted rating.

JAJF receives monetary and in-kind donations from corporate partners, family foundations and individual supporters/ benefactors to make these trips possible. Ten years after her family’s WOW! Experience, Shelley Jones continues to pay it forward with her own art fundraiser, where a portion of each drawing sold is donated to JAJF.

There is a tremendous amount of heart and compassion across the U.S. for these children who are facing the imminent loss of their young moms and dads. Every contribution helps send a sweet young family on a critical timeout from cancer. The impact is measurable and meaningful. There is no black hole. Learn more about how you or your organization can make a tangible impact: » In-Kind Donations: WOW! Partners donate hotel accommodations, food and beverages, theme park VIP experiences, airfare, car rentals, photography and more which JAJF uses to create each personalized family itinerary from driveway to driveway.

Learn more at JAJF.org/friends/corporate-partners. » Ongoing Donations: Whether it’s rounding up purchases on meals and goods or simply putting out a Share the WOW! jar at the front desk, WOW! Partners can help raise money and spread awareness about JAJF. » One-Time Donations: Make a one-time donation (investment) online or by check. It only takes $1,500 to sponsor a family’s

WOW! Experience. Learn more at JAJF.org/donate-now.

The Inspiration Behind JAJF JAJF was founded in 2006 by Jill and Jon Albert. After Jill was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, the Alberts were inspired to create a foundation that would allow families to create cherished memories — a child’s greatest inheritance. Jill succumbed to her cancer on Nov.15, 2006, leaving behind her two young children.

Cancer does not stop, nor will JAJF! For questions or more information about how to get involved, visit JAJF.org or contact WOW! Society Director at jkanter@jajf.org or (404) 537-JAJF (5253).

Ralph Jones and family

Miles Partnership is a strategic marketing company focused exclusively on travel and tourism. We work with more than 90 destinations and hospitality businesses to create forward-thinking marketing solutions. With a shared appreciation for the power of travel, Miles partnered with JAJF in 2020, helping to spread their mission in treating the families, not the cancer.