Jonathan Bradley Memorial Fund
Donation protected
July 27, 2018 began like any ordinary day, but it would end as anything but ordinary. On the last day of a week-long canoe trip with the Boy Scouts in the bayou’s of Louisiana, near the town of Franklin, our beloved Jonathan passed away quite unexpectedly. Due to the sudden nature of this event, the family was not prepared, emotionally or financially, to bear the burden brought on by his funeral and medical expenses. As a final tribute to Jonathan, please join me in lightening their load so his family does not have to bear this burden alone. All donations will go towards funeral expenses and the cost to transport him home, across state lines, so he could be laid to rest. Any remaining balance will go towards paying off medical debt that the family incurred over the years in association with the treatment of Jonathan’s spina bifida.
Now, let me take you on a journey back in time, sixteen years ago, to February 2002. The “time had come”. Filled with anticipation and hope, Jonathan’s parents set off for the hospital for the birth of their first-born child. They had planned and prepared for this day for nearly nine months. Holding him, feeding him, watching him sleep. Little did they know that the day’s events would not go quite as planned. To everyone’s surprise, including the doctor's, Jonathan was born with a congenital condition known as spina bifida. Commotion filled the room as concern and confusion filled their hearts. Jonathan’s parents were given a few, short moments to share with their newborn son before he was taken from their arms and air lifted to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, four hours away, where he would undergo emergency surgery. It would take more than 24 hours before Jonathan’s parents could begin the long trip to be with him. Jonathan underwent several surgeries in his first few days of life. Doctors cautioned his parents that he may never walk. They cautioned them about many things. But Jonathan would prove them all wrong.
As the years went by, there were many doctor’s visits to attend and many surgeries to undergo. The family made multiple trips to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, AR; to the Shriner’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO; and to see a specialist in Frisco, TX. Fuel costs, hotel stays, meals, and car repair expenses piled up. There were always special orthotic shoes, leg braces, and miscellaneous medical supplies to buy. Ongoing therapy costs and medications to purchase. The family could never seem to catch their breath before the next setback loomed large on the horizon.
As for Jonathan, despite all the obstacles that life had placed in his path, he overcame them and achieved much. He was just a few badges away from becoming an Eagle Scout. He played the clarinet in his high school marching band. He had passed his driver's test earlier in the year and enjoyed the freedom that this afforded him. He had even begun to consider looking for a job. He was a whiz at math and had aspirations of one day becoming an aeronautical engineer. He was active in his church youth group and never hesitated to tell others about Jesus. Others describe him as being "kind" and "a true gentleman". He was an extraordinary young man who will be missed greatly by all who were lucky enough to say, “I knew him”.
Jonathan’s first and last days here on Earth were mirror images of one another, like two bookends on the story of his life….taken in haste and swept away from his parent’s arms too soon. Once again, his family will be delayed in making the long journey to be with him where he is. But someday, one by one, the chain that was broken will be linked together again.
On behalf of Jonathan’s family, thank you for your continued prayers in the days to come and for your generous financial support.
Now, let me take you on a journey back in time, sixteen years ago, to February 2002. The “time had come”. Filled with anticipation and hope, Jonathan’s parents set off for the hospital for the birth of their first-born child. They had planned and prepared for this day for nearly nine months. Holding him, feeding him, watching him sleep. Little did they know that the day’s events would not go quite as planned. To everyone’s surprise, including the doctor's, Jonathan was born with a congenital condition known as spina bifida. Commotion filled the room as concern and confusion filled their hearts. Jonathan’s parents were given a few, short moments to share with their newborn son before he was taken from their arms and air lifted to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, four hours away, where he would undergo emergency surgery. It would take more than 24 hours before Jonathan’s parents could begin the long trip to be with him. Jonathan underwent several surgeries in his first few days of life. Doctors cautioned his parents that he may never walk. They cautioned them about many things. But Jonathan would prove them all wrong.
As the years went by, there were many doctor’s visits to attend and many surgeries to undergo. The family made multiple trips to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, AR; to the Shriner’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO; and to see a specialist in Frisco, TX. Fuel costs, hotel stays, meals, and car repair expenses piled up. There were always special orthotic shoes, leg braces, and miscellaneous medical supplies to buy. Ongoing therapy costs and medications to purchase. The family could never seem to catch their breath before the next setback loomed large on the horizon.
As for Jonathan, despite all the obstacles that life had placed in his path, he overcame them and achieved much. He was just a few badges away from becoming an Eagle Scout. He played the clarinet in his high school marching band. He had passed his driver's test earlier in the year and enjoyed the freedom that this afforded him. He had even begun to consider looking for a job. He was a whiz at math and had aspirations of one day becoming an aeronautical engineer. He was active in his church youth group and never hesitated to tell others about Jesus. Others describe him as being "kind" and "a true gentleman". He was an extraordinary young man who will be missed greatly by all who were lucky enough to say, “I knew him”.
Jonathan’s first and last days here on Earth were mirror images of one another, like two bookends on the story of his life….taken in haste and swept away from his parent’s arms too soon. Once again, his family will be delayed in making the long journey to be with him where he is. But someday, one by one, the chain that was broken will be linked together again.
On behalf of Jonathan’s family, thank you for your continued prayers in the days to come and for your generous financial support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Tonya Major Fielder
Organizer
Fayetteville, AR
Stephanie Bradley
Beneficiary