Jaiden's profound and lasting impact on our world is evident
in the words of the families she continues to help.
Thank you to all of our generous supporters
who enable us to continue with her mission.
Drew
On June 3, 2009, our seemingly perfect lives were turned upside down. Our youngest son Drew was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia. His body was no longer producing red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. We were suddenly and unwillingly thrust into a new lifestyle of hospitalizations, clinic visits, transfusions and fear. We were constantly driving to and from Boston, often more than once on a given day.
Holleigh, someone that I am proud to have known for more than 25 years, contacted me immediately. Throughout Drew's first year of treatment and recovery from a Bone Marrow Transplant that he received November 18th, 2009, Holleigh and Jaiden's Angel Foundation has been there for us.
Holleigh and her family have taken the hardest role for a parent to bear and turned it into an awe inspiring foundation that supported us in our time of need. The many, many trips to Boston were made so much easier and less stressful by simply reaching for a gas card. Jaiden's Angel Foundation made that part of our daily lives more bearable. To not have to think about that part of traveling was such a relief and comfort to us.
For this, we will always be grateful
We are so proud of Drew and everything that he has had to endure this past year. We pray constantly for hope, strength and recovery. We also thank Jaiden's Angel Foundation for everything that they do to support families like ours in times of crisis. I can think of no better way to honor the memory of a very special little girl who continues to make such a positive impact on this world.
Thank you and God Bless.
Team D'Auteuil
Isaiah
My Isaiah was a little, BIG man! He was born prematurely on March 8th 2010 he fought a courageous battle for 10 days. He amazed his doctors with his phenomenal health and will to survive...but somewhere around the 8th day he started to slip and on March 18th, 2010 he went home to be with Jesus.
Our precious little boy was such a character already even in such a short time and we all fell so deeply in love with him...and though our hearts are grieving for our little boy, our spirits, somehow, through all of this, have been lifted in a way that I never would have expected.
The true support and love of this community and Jaiden's foundation are evidence to me of the true humanity in people and what a beautiful thing that is...a beautiful testimony amidst our tragic loss and deep anguish.
I cannot even express how grateful we are for your donation to help ease the financial burden we incurred. The whole month that we were in the hospital...I was on bed rest for about 3 weeks prior to Isaiah being born....my husband never left my side and once Isaiah was born, of course neither of us left his side...we never once worried about the financial aspect while we were in the thick of our crisis but instead focused our prayers on him and just had faith that somehow things would work out financially.
Jaiden's foundation has come through in an indescribable way which just continues to increase our faith...and while no loss is ever worth or can be rationalized by the good works that follow such tragedy and pain, we are so grateful that even while you journey through your pain, you have chosen to keep Jaiden's memory alive through helping other families who are trying their best to cope with the unthinkable...and while we would never want any parent to have to go through this...we are grateful that we do not have to journey alone because of your courage!
Thank you isn't enough...
Christine & Kevin Maxwell
Sofia
We want to say thank you for your generous donation of gas cards. When our daughter Sofia was diagnosed with a brain tumor our world came to a sudden halt. There are no words to describe the feelings when you are given that kind of news. We were completely overwhelmed with all the support, not only from our family and friends, but from our community as well. When a child is sick, it's unbelievable what people are willing to do to help in any way they can.
Sofie's tumor isn't cancer, but it is treated as such. Unfortunately it's something we will have to deal with until she is old enough to receive radiation treatments to completely remove the tumor. We now have a little over a year that we will have to go back and forth to the Jimmy Fund in Boston so Sofie can receive chemo therapy treatments once a week. We never thought of the expense of gas going back and forth. We can't thank you enough for taking some of that burden off our minds.
Again we say thank you for your generosity. Our hearts and prayers are with your family as you continue to heal.
A great big thank you and much Love,
Kelly, Jeff and William (Sofie's big brother)
Jude
To say thank you for your caring and generosity seems like too little of a gesture. The donation and gas cards you have sent have helped in so many ways. With all of our energy focused on getting Jude healthy, not to have to worry about such a simple yet needful thing like paying for gas is such a great gift. When Jude was diagnosed with a tumor on his spine never did I think that there would be anything positive to take from this experience. I was so wrong.
The kindness and generosity of friends, family and above all strangers have made this such a humbling and truly inspiring experience. We are hopeful that with Jaiden watching over him, Jude will recover. We look forward to someday meeting you and participating in future fundraisers. Thank you so very much for your extremely generous contribution to us for Jude's care.
All our love,
Kim, Matt and Jude
Angel
The family of Angel Dixon would like to thank Jaiden’s Angel for all the guidance and support they have provided during this time of need. Jaiden’s mom, Holleigh, reached out to Angel’s family to provide guidance on how to harness the love and support of the community.
We were so stunned by the accident and focused on Angel’s condition that we hardly knew what was happening outside the hospital. Jaiden’s Angel worked with the extended family to get a Web site to gather prayers for Angel and to help raise funds for the medical expenses, as well as making a donation. They’ve been an invaluable resource for the family during Angel’s recovery.
The Family of Angel Dixon
Madelyn
When our precious daughter Madelyn became ill at just 8 months old we were heartbroken. Little did we know that the true devastation would come 3 years later when she suddenly passed away. Losing a child is the worst things a family can ever go through and I say this with the experience of having been on both sides of the fence. We watched Madelyn fight for three years and it was so difficult. I can't even begin to explain how hard it is to watch your child suffer through surgeries and procedures, hoping that each cut and each stitch will make them better. As her parents we had an undying hope that a miracle would find her but we had no idea that her miracle would find her in Heaven.
Although Madelyn was so sick, she was still with us. Now she is gone, and when they are gone it is forever. Losing her was for worse than anything we had ever experienced. Madelyn left behind 2 siblings, an older sister Rosalyn, and a baby brother Mason. Madelyn seems to have been the center of our family being the middle child. We were blessed to have had Madelyn in our lives, even for such a short time and we miss her more than words could ever say.
We feel very fortunate to have had the help of Angel Jaiden's wonderful parents Paul and Holleigh Tlapa during the most difficult days after Madelyn's death. They immediately offered to put together a slide show of our family photographs, which we showed at Madelyn's funeral. The slide show was put to music that we chose, and it has become my most treasured possession. Each picture captured an actual moment in Madelyn's life that was experienced later by all of those who knew and loved our daughter. The photos told the story of Madelyn's life from her very first hours, to her last days. Our fondest memories are now beautifully arranged so we can see her smiling face whenever we want.
We are forever grateful to the foundation for their work as well as the contributions made to purchase Madelyn's final resting place and stone. It is so unfortunate that a tragedy such as this is what brings people together; but it is also so amazing to see that even good things can come from grief. Jaiden and Madelyn are forever friends in Heaven, smiling down on us all...our Guardian Angels.
Rachael, Maddy’s Mom
Connor
Connor Edmunds was a vibrant, energetic 6 year old boy. He loved nature, parks, playing in the dirt and most of all, Connor loved people. He was the only 6 yr old I ever knew that truly LOVED going to school, everyday, 5 days a week. He always looked forward to going to kindergarten and seeing his teachers and classmates
Connor was a very curious and mischievous child, with no fear! When Connor was just 18 months old he accidentally fell off a second story deck and received several stitches on his head as a result. He quickly bounced back and was off exploring again as usual! He enjoyed tinkering and fiddling with all sorts things; he was a true hands on person. Everyday he'd come home and tell his daddy all the adventures of his day at school, focusing on his favorite activity; recess. The days they canceled recess due to inclement weather he'd always get depressed.
Unfortunately on March 28, 2009 that fear and curiosity caught up with Connor, when he accidentally drowned in the water he loved so much. Connor died doing what most kids his age loved to do: seeking, exploring, expanding and just being a kid.
Within 1 day of Connor's passing, the funeral director handed me a number to contact a person by the name of Holleigh from jaidensangel.org. He explained to me it was a non-profit organization started by a parent that also lost their child at a young age. The funeral director then went on to tell me about her story in brief and some of the broad services they offer other families coping with the same tragedy their family went through.
She was the best contact I ever made! Unfortunately this organization knows all to well what families are dealing with during the sudden and tragic loss of a child. It is inspiring how someone took their tragedy and turned it into a glimmer of hope for other grief stricken families. Without the help, guidance and support of this organization, I believe some families would be lost. Fortunately we had some key supports in place but we realize not everyone is privileged to have that luxury. With the fine people of Jaiden’s Angel Foundation, that can be possible! Thank you for reaching out to us and your donation.
Matthew, Connor’s Dad
Adin
Adin is a beautiful little baby, and doing very well. The cardiologist says everything is looking well and we don’t have to go back for 3 months. He seems like a very bright and alert little boy. I thank God that Adin is doing so well. WE want to thank you for all your help. It made it easier to cover some of the bills that were being put on hold. It means a lot to know there are so many good people out there. My heart did cry out for that beautiful child Jaiden that didn’t make it. I cannot imagine the pain Jaiden’s parents have and are going through. Comforted by the fact she is sitting up on the lap of Jesus and is smiling, waiting on loved ones.
Thank You so much!
Crystal, Adin’s Mom
Sean
In Feb of 2008, our oldest child, Sean was diagnosed with Lymphoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma. We were devastated, to say the least... In a blink of an eye, our world was changed.
It’s funny how things always seem to come back to you. I remember when Jaiden was in the accident, being a small floral shop owner in Milford, I had a customer call me to place an order for your family. When she told me what had happen, I began to cry. In my line of business, we tend to try to be strong when dealing with these types of orders. But, at that point in time, I was so taken back; I could not help myself from feeling your pain.
I prayed every night that Jaiden would make it through. When she passed, all I could do was think of you and your family. It made me reflect on the love that I feel for my daughters and son. We sometimes get so wrapped up in life we forget to really see what gifts we are to each other.
We would like to thank all of you sincerely for helping our family in our time of need. Dealing with Sean's illness has been one of the most difficult things our family had ever faced. It really helps to know that we are not alone in our battle.
We received the check and the gas cards. I don't know how to thank you enough. I want you to know that your kindness will never be forgotten. I really think that what you have done in creating Jaiden’s Angel is amazing. I’m sure that it will help so many in the future, like it has helped us.
When you go through things like this, sometimes, you feel alone, the world just keeps on going. It’s very deeply touching when you meet people who understand and care. Again, thank you for your kindness.
Sincerely, Bob, Michelle, Sean, Madison and Bailey
Abby
Thank you so much for your kind contribution to our family. And please know that I wish you the smoothest road possible in recovering from your sorrow. I feel for you and your family so much and wish there were something I could do to help.
I believe Jaiden must be so proud of you. You are truly a wonderful person to turn a tragic event into a way to help people struggling through difficulties. Though I battle with blaming myself for Abby's leukemia every day (Did I feed her the wrong things? Did I expose her to fumes when the muffler broke? etc.etc.) I try to believe what everyone tells me - that sometimes things just happen - and there is nothing you can do about it - because nobody can anticipate or recognize all the risks in this life.
Please accept my sincere thanks and empathy.
With love, Beth Labaugh
Amanda
Even though we haven’t met, or even know each other. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking care of Amanda’s final expenses. I have friends who are supportive and love me. But I know they don’t know what it is to lose a child, and you do.
You took care of a burden I don’t know if I could have handled. Thank you.
I am a single Mom, never went to college or have my own home. I do the best I can with what I have. And that’s OK. My girls know they always come first and I loved them every day and we took on life’s problems together.
Nicole (Amanda’s sister, 17) and I have our good days and bad; with people like you in the world the good days are better and make the bad days bearable.
With Much Love & Thanks,
Robin and Nicole
Nickolas
I would first like to say your strength is commendable. We have participated in many of the local fundraisers in hopes of the fund being successful in your daughters honor. I am sure you can relate when I say NEVER did I imagine needing this assistance.
THANK YOU for the gas cards and Donation. We received them yesterday upon arriving home from Boston. Nickolas is patiently waiting for his new glasses, and he wanted to thank you as well. Getting lenses for a frame that is light weight and appealing to a 13 yr old boy with his prescription and safety needs was not easy.
Again, our thanks for your generosity, thoughts, prayers and assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are also with you and your family, as you continue to heal. I am certain Jaiden is watching us all and approves of your acts of kindness!
Jodi (Nick’s Mom)
Lexi
We want to thank-you for your generous donation and yes it is so very helpful and appreciated.
We would love to have the opportunity to meet you and do the canvas hand-prints.
I want you to know I pray for you and your family often and am deeply touched at your ability to reach out to others in need.
Thank-you,
Brenda (Lexi’s Mom)
Charlie
I so appreciate your commitment to forming this foundation. While we didn’t know Jaiden, I remember clearly when the accident occurred and just how devastated we all felt for you. I am sorry for your loss of your little one. It’s a pain I hope to never feel.
Thank you so much for your generosity, we are overloaded with the financial demands, this generous gift will certainly help offset costs.
I got your gifts, thank you so much! I so appreciate all you are doing for families like us. It really makes a difference!
Fondly,
Troy and Mary (Charlie’s Parents)