So Much More
It's never just equipment
Summer is a busy time for Jake’s Help From Heaven. Part of that is because, while we meet quarterly, our second and third board meetings fall much closer together. We meet in early June and then again in early September, so the summer is spent doing all the things we love: ordering equipment, making deliveries, working with families, and processing applications.
As one delivery led to the next, I found myself thinking about something we don't always stop to think about: what the equipment really means to the family receiving it.
Storm’s bike is so much more than just a bike. It’s independence. The ability for a teenager to ride on her own or with friends. It’s freedom from some of the limitations her multiple disabilities place on her every day and the opportunity to do something so many of us take for granted.
Leo’s pool float is so much more than a float. It’s family time. It means he can safely be in the pool with his mom, dad, and big brother. He gets to enjoy the cool water on a hot summer day, and his parents don’t have to divide and conquer. Instead, they get to be together.
Rowan’s swing is so much more than a swing. It gives her the feelings of the wind in her hair and lets her be outside with her family. It lets her experience the freedom and joy every child deserves.
Connor’s iPad is so much more than an iPad. It’s his voice. It gives him a way to communicate, learn, connect with others, and share who he is.
And we do so much more than purchase equipment. We help families get to medical appointments with specialists, support therapies that aren't covered by insurance, provide medical supplies, and do whatever we can to improve quality of life.
On paper, it looks like we're buying bikes, swings, iPads, and pool floats. But what we're really providing is independence, communication, inclusion, confidence, and the chance for families to experience the ordinary moments that mean everything.
And we love every part of it.
XO,
Heather