OUR STORY
It is never easy losing a child, especially if you are young and it is your first. Unfortunately, this is what happened with Justin Brown and Desiree Reyes, when they lost their daughter Jordyn Marie Brown.
Jordyn was born on October 28, 2015, 18 weeks ahead of schedule due to Desiree developing a condition called Eclampsia. From the moment she arrived, Jordyn began her fight for survival with her parents, family, and friends in her corner.
Naturally, Desiree and Justin wanted to be near their baby girl as much as possible. They were fortunate to be able to stay at the JW. House in Santa Clara, CA near Kaiser Hospital where Jordyn was born and later the Ronald McDonald House in San Francisco, CA when she was transferred to UCSF Benioff’s Children Hospital. At both locations, she received exceptional care from a very professional and caring staff.
Desiree and Justin felt fortunate and grateful to be able to stay at these two houses with such a caring and supportive staff. The services they provide to parents and families whose children are facing critical medical challenges are priceless.
One day Justin’s dad, Jaz Brown, visited his son and Desiree at the Ronald McDonald House in San Francisco and shared, “I noticed that the staff do a great job at providing a safe place for parents to stay during these challenging times. I know that they can only do so much and that some of the other families staying there were still facing other hardships financially, like having money for food and transportation. Places like the Ronald McDonald House and the JW House do offer some assistance, but they can only do so much.”
On April 6, 2015, after a little more than 5 months on this earth, Jordyn Marie Brown left us and became an angel. Those who were fortunate enough to have visited Jordyn would tell you that even with the ever-present medical equipment connected to her tiny body, that every time she opened her eyes and looked at you, one could feel her love and strength fill your heart. No one knew at the time that this little girl would have such a huge impact on so many.
Desiree shared with Jaz, from a hospital bed after the birth of his grandson Kaiden, “I’m almost speechless when I think about what the JW House and the Ronald McDonald House has done for Justin and I. The JW House made it possible for us to be with Jordyn, and the Ronald McDonald House allowed us to be near her during her final hours…”
Jaz founded Jordyn’s Gift (formally Phoenix Leadership Center), as a 501(C)(3)Nonprofit, and with the help of his friends Sara Van Scherpe and Jacqueline King, and will be reaching out to other businesses in the community to help make a difference during a critical time in these families lives.
Be sure to like us on Facebook - Jordyn's Gift (www.facebook.com/jordynsgift)
The Jordyn's Gift staff wants to thank you for your kindness and support.
