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Make a Difference This Giving Tuesday: Support Families Facing Rare Diseases
As we approach the holiday season, we are excited to celebrate Giving Tuesday with you and invite you to join us in transforming lives. At Jamal's Helping Hands (JHH), our mission is to support families dealing with rare diseases, and we have set an ambitious goal of raising $20,000 to advance our vital work.
Why Giving Tuesday Matters to Jamal's Helping Hands
At Jamal's Helping Hands, we are devoted to providing essential support and resources to families navigating the complex landscape of rare diseases. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families by offering caregiver support, educational workshops, outreach and awareness, emergency care assistance, lodging support, and other crucial resources. The impact of your support is profound, and we are committed to making a significant difference through our community-driven efforts.
Your generosity can bring hope and support to those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference with Hope, Help, and Hands.
The Witherow Family
The Witherow family is one of many families supported by Jamal’s Helping Hands. Theresia Witherow lives in North Alabama with her four children and husband. In 2013, her son was diagnosed with a rare condition called FIRES, or febrile, infection-related epilepsy syndrome. It is a condition that affects one in million children and causes debilitating seizures.
After spending years as a caretaker, and once her son gained more mobility, she reached out to Jamal’s Helping Hands for support and connection. She found valuable resources and financial assistance through her connection with Valeria, JHH’s Executive Director, whose own family was also impacted by a rare disease. Theresia appreciated the inspiring guest speakers, the educational information provided, and the sense of not being alone in her caregiving journey.
“The emotional support and having others understand what we were going through was so valuable. I appreciate everything they do and continue to do to support our family,” she said.
Shanderla’s Story
Shanderla, a resident of Mississippi, is one of the many individuals who have been profoundly impacted by Jamal’s Helping Hands. Eight years ago, Shanderla, who was then a Special Education Teacher and Cross-Country Coach, was diagnosed with a trio of rare conditions: PM/DM (Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis), Sjögren's Syndrome, and Alpha Thalassemia. What started as a fairly normal life quickly changed as she began experiencing severe symptoms such as extreme fatigue, high fever, and muscle weakness. A hospital stay revealed the disorders, and she was advised to stop working immediately and seek treatment.
Her journey has involved frequent trips to MD Anderson in Houston, a daunting 9-hour drive from her home. Faced with the challenges of managing her health and traveling for treatment, Shanderla began searching for resources. That’s when she found Jamal’s Helping Hands. The support she received has been nothing short of life-saving. “There were times when I didn’t have enough money for food and lodging, and JHH came through for me,” she shares. “Without this foundation, it would have been nearly impossible to make it to my appointments. I am deeply grateful for their assistance.”
Giving Tuesday FAQs
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Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to generosity, where people unite to support the causes they care about most. It is the perfect moment to give back and make an impact in the community. This year, our focus is on assisting families who face extraordinary challenges due to rare diseases.
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At Jamal's Helping Hands, we are devoted to providing essential support and resources to families navigating the complex landscape of rare diseases. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families by offering caregiver support, educational workshops, outreach and awareness, emergency care assistance, lodging support, and other crucial resources. The impact of your support is profound, and we are committed to making a significant difference through our community-driven efforts.
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This Giving Tuesday, we are asking for your support to help individuals like Shanderla. By contributing to Jamal's Helping Hands, you will provide essential resources and support to families grappling with the challenges of rare diseases. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to sustain our mission and make a positive impact on these families’ lives. Your generous donation will ensure that we can continue offering critical help to those who need it most.
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Donate: Make a direct contribution on our Giving Tuesday page. Every dollar makes a difference.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign with friends, family, and on social media. Encourage others to join us in making a meaningful impact.
Make an impact today
