Stories of Hope from JSRF

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Have you been eager to hear about the Jeremy Stom Remembrance Foundation (JSRF)? We sure hope so! An entire year has passed since our last newsletter, and we are ready to share the works of the Foundation with you.

First and foremost, this year marks 15 years since the passing of our beloved son and brother, Jeremy. On April 25th, 2009, we never thought we would survive the most horrific day of our lives. One year and ten days later on May 5th, 2010, we were forced to survive another horrendous and devastating day when we lost our second son, Jeremy’s brother, Jean. Not a day has gone by since then that we don’t miss, mourn, and remember our beloved boys. Please remember both Jeremy & Jean in the silence of your hearts on April 25th & May 5th.

Jeremy’s foundation gave us purpose. Throughout the years, our 21 committee members helped us create a foundation that has now served and empowered 267 under-resourced teens! Do you remember that our initial goal was to help one teen every year? We far exceeded that number, thanks to each of you!

In 2023, our first teen of the year came to us from Florida with a heartbreaking story. We learned that this teen had lost his father to a drug overdose. Shortly after the death of his father, his mother abandoned him and his two siblings as a result of homelessness, addiction, and mental health illness.  A strong and loving aunt now has guardianship of all three children and is determined to provide them with opportunities to Experience Hope. According to his coach, this teen is an exceptional basketball player with great potential. JSRF sponsored travel basketball fees for participation in three different states. We can see signs of hope when they share their stories and photos with JSRF!

“This has got to be my favorite tournament because it felt like I was on a big stage or I was in the NBA. We ended up making it to the championship after a long, tiring weekend but ended up coming short and getting 2nd. Even though we came up short I had a great time playing and just being with my team.”

Early summer of 2023, we sponsored a 13-year-old to participate in an 8-week art program as well as cross country summer camp. She shared a thank you and a few beautiful drawings with JSRF. The Foundation connected again with the Lake Zurich High School in IL and sponsored several teens for summer cross country and football camps. And late last summer, we sponsored 10 teens from Chicago Jesuit Academy for a 1-week overnight summer camp! All the teens we help come from families struggling to survive financially, and many come from gang-ridden neighborhoods.

When we hear their stories we are reminded that Jeremy’s foundation has become a beacon of hope for many underprivileged teens. As you can see the Foundation continues to give teens an Experience of Hope even without active fundraising for the past four years. As for fundraising, we don’t foresee any events in the near future. We are humbled and thankful that we continue to receive generous donations from family and friends, as well as anonymous donations. We couldn’t do what we do without your financial help. If you would like to make a donation or refer a teen please email us.

Many of you know that Scott & Ciri moved to South Florida.  We enjoy the sunny days, balmy nights, and warm ocean swims, but miss sweet home Chicago!  It seemed so fitting that our first teen of the year in 2023 came to us from Florida. The Foundation will continue to provide sponsorships throughout Illinois, Florida, and elsewhere, just as we have done in the past.

Please note we have migrated to Mailchimp to keep the Foundation cost-effective. Don’t forget to check out our updated website and let us know what you think!

May your families be happy and healthy in 2024!

Peace, Love, & Gratitude,

Ciri, Scott & Sayra

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