Mar 11, 2010

HOLD ON TO YOUR DREAM, THE JEFFREY GOTTFURCHT CHILDREN'S ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION

This week at Kelly's Korner, the topic for "Show us Your Life" is favorite charities. I found this foundation a few weeks ago and it means the world to me. This foundation works by granting wishes for children who have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. My husband and I are going to be donating to this organization and if you feel led to do the same, I will attach the link below. Thank you for reading about something that means so much to me!

About Our Mission

The Foundation is a wish-granting organization whose mission is to make dreams and wishes a reality for children living with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

About JGCAF

The Jeffrey Gottfurcht Children’s Arthritis Foundation (the “Foundation”) was founded in September 2009 by Jeffrey Gottfurcht. Eight years ago at the age of 27, Jeffrey was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. He had periodically experienced swollen fingers and wrists and had stiff joints throughout his late teens and early 20’s: he thought these were merely an allergic reactions. Finally, a Rheumatoid Arthritis specialist at Stanford confirmed the diagnosis. In 2009, Jeffrey’s symptoms significantly advanced and he learned that he would be functionally immobile within a few years. An avid mountain climber, Jeffrey decided he could not just give in and with a can-do attitude committed to training for and climbing Mount Everest in 2010, thereby fulfilling his number 1 dream. Jeffrey wanted to share his determination to fight Rheumatoid Arthritis while bringing joy, strength and support to others afflicted with this lifelong disease. Jeffrey chose to focus on fulfilling the dreams of children suffering from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis because as a father of 3, he understands the importance of creating positive memories in a child’s life. The Foundation hopes to inspire, educate and generate awareness while those suffering with this lifelong disease optimistically await a cure.

Granting Wishes

The Foundation’s mandate is to fulfill the dreams of children afflicted with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Referrals for dreams will come from parents, guardians, members of the medical community, support-related websites and children suffering from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Foundation’s Dream Team will select the dreams that are prudent and possible to make a reality. The Foundation’s president will visit the child and present the dream come true. Wishes should fall under the following categories: 1) “I wish I could go…”, 2) “I wish I could meet…”, 3) “I wish to be…”, and 4) “I wish to have…”.

Please watch the videos of two children who this organization has helped and made it possibel for their "wish" come true!







The Jeffrey Gottfurcht Children's Arthritis Foundation

16 comments:

carissa said...

such an amazing foundation! i am so looking forward to "show us your life" this week. everything will be so meaningful and i can't wait to discover new charitable organizations!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

what a foundation....thanks for sharing....

G. Out said...

If you're suffering from arthritis you know how hard it can be to manage the pain. First we researched the best natural pain remedies, and then we asked what worked for you. We polled our Twitter followers, Facebook fans and the readers at Caring.com to bring you the best reader home remedies for arthritis pain.

Jamie said...

That is a great foundation. I am glad you shared it.

Also, thanks for your prayers for my friend. She needs them!

The Undomestic Mom said...

that is so great!!!!!!

maria said...

Amazing!

Kimberly said...

http://one2try.blogspot.com/

here is the link for the Friday Follow. Try it. You will get alot more followers.

Anonymous said...

Truly amazing!!!!!what a foundation!!!!!! I hope you are having a great day........xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a wonderful foundation. :)

Robin said...

What an amazing foundation. Thanks for sharing and giving us all the insight into a wonderful charity. Have a great weekend. :)

Mama2aMiracle said...

Thanks for sharing this!

Kim said...

This is Kim from Kyndall's Smile! This is an amazing foundation! I'm following you back!

Paige said...

What an amazing foundation! Thank you so much for sharing! I posted pictures of Charli btw. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Amanda M. said...

Oh my goodness, Lesli, I am SO glad you commented on my blog and I've now found yours. You all are amazing. I just cannot wait to read more. God bless!

Amanda M. said...

Well, now my turn. You have also MADE my day! :) My whole weekend!

Stacey said...

Thank you for your sweet comment! I loved reading about the JGCAF as well - sounds like an amazing organization for a wonderful cause. Oh, and could your kids get any cuter? What a precious family. :)