Giving Back to Our Smallest Fighters The Jackson Chance Foundation
This picture was filled with laughter, competition, and heartfelt moments as we took to the ping-pong table to compete in a special tournament for the Jackson Chance Foundation. This event was not just a test of skill; it was an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for an incredibly important cause. The Jackson Chance Foundation was founded by devoted parents who, in their time of grief after losing their son Jackson Chance, recognized a significant need in the community. Understanding the financial pressures that families face during challenging times, they aimed to ease some of that burden by helping parents of NICU children cover parking costs associated with medical and support visits. It may seem like a small detail, but these costs can add up, adding stress to families already navigating complex emotional journeys.
Swinging into the fall season with the colder Chicago winds, it’s always an adventure to discover more fun, indoor activities! One of those I’ve found, and that I’ve been practicing is ping pong! And it’s all been in preparation for the 10th Annual Celebrity Ping Ping Tournament that my friends at The Jackson Chance Foundation and SPIN Chicago hosted last Friday, November 8
To share with you all more about The Jackson Chance Foundation, I wanted to share Jackson’s story, which I’ve had the honor to learn more about from the foundation’s founders and Jackson’s parents, Terry and Carrie Meghie.
Jackson Chance was born 10 weeks premature and spent nearly his entire 10-month life in the NICU, bringing his family immense joy despite the challenges. His parents, the Meghies, supported by family and resources, made the hospital a second home, cherishing every moment with him. Jackson had Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung condition common in premature infants. Though they always believed he’d come home, though unfortunately, he passed away on September 7, 2012. Wanting to support as many NICU families as they can, the Meghies launched the foundation in his memory, to make families going through this challenge, to be as close to their child as they can possibly be, just as they did with Jackson.
This accessibility, for parents to be near their children currently in the NICU, is the forefront mission that the foundation upholds. No parent should ever be separated from their child because of the financial burden, especially when their child is in the NICU. That’s where the foundation provides support, aiding parents to have access to be in the room with them.
It’s touching to watch Terry and Carrie’s dedication, in continuing the legacy of their son, through this beautiful foundation and it was an honor to play in this tournament for Jackson, and every NICU child.
