
WOW Contributor – Ira Riklis
One of the best charity organizations that I contribute donations to is the, Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation. The charity is for patients diagnosed with late stage, limited life expectancy cancer that have children. Leaving ones family is difficult for the cancer victim and is hard on their family as well. To help patients and their families cope with such a difficult situation, this foundation works to bring together– children and parents to create lasting memories for families.
I, Ira Riklis, have been honored to be able to contribute to this wonderful organization and help create times of happiness for these suffering families. Through the JAJF, parents and children (under 18) participate in WOW Experiences, which can include anything from being granted special privileges to watch a live news broadcast, to attending the Oscars or Grammys. The purpose of attending these events is for families to generate memories that can be remembered and cherished forever. These memories are special because not only will the children remember these wonderful times with a parent who is in the late stages of cancer, but the cancer victims themselves will have the gratification of having left a positive feeling with their children. This foundation works to provide a time of joy and happiness for a victims entire family during a time that is generally surrounded with pain, grief, anger, and tears. Cancer patients have more than enough to handle with just dealing with their own pain so the JAJF works to elevate some of the guilt associated with worrying about leaving a spouse and children behind. I am often asked about the difference between the agency I am a contributor to (JAJF) and the Make a Wish Foundation. The answer is that the Make a Wish Foundation is directed towards carrying out the wishes of children with “life-threatening” medical problems. These wishes are then granted (or arranged) on an individual basis based on the child’s desires. The JAJF is different because it is specifically geared towards the children of parents who are in the last stages of their life after being diagnosed with late stage- limited life expectancy cancer. These WOW experiences are also different because they are already in motion and ready to be immediately distributed to families in need of building happier moments on short notice.
Families are selected to participate in these experiences through being recommended and then notified by their own team of medical professionals. These professionals know the prognosis of the patient, the physical and emotional status of the patient and the circumstances of the family as a whole. A physician’s release is obtained before any activity is approved. Through this type of referral process, the Foundation remains consistent with their choices. If you are wondering about how you can donate, there are several ways in which you can help this organization, which can always use the assistance. Monetarily, you can donate and become a Founder by providing a five year financial commitment.
You can also contribute to the inventory of WOW experiences the Foundation has to offer by donating a particular WOW excursion or, through educating others who may have the means for donating such an item. Individuals as well as corporations are welcome to become a part of the JAJF and can join in to help with creating long lasting memories for families in need. The Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation has been acknowledged and reported on by TV shows such as the Today Show and Fox 5. The JAJF also has corporate partners including Coca-Cola, United Airlines, Jet Blue, New York Life, and SeaWorld. As the end draws near for a late stage cancer patient and as a family tries to make sense of what is happening now, and what will happen when their loved one is gone, a “time-out” is needed for all of the family to be together and forget for a little while. This time provides comfort to families because memories are created that the survivors can look back upon to remember the smile on their loved one’s face.
These are the reasons for why I, Ira Riklis, suggest you look into The Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation when selecting a charity to make donations or contributions to.