Little Leaders Series: Jayden Strauss

Hi Everyone!! As most of you know I started up the “Little Leaders” series last year to shed some light on the little shining stars in our communities and so far it’s been amazing to see the positive response come in from everyone in support of these uplifting blogs and the number of emails that we’ve received sharing stories of Little Leaders in YOUR communities!! Our goal for 2018 (along with many others!) is to keep sharing these incredible stories coming because I am SO proud of all the kids out there who are doing SO much good and I believe they deserve to be recognized!! I want them to know THAT WE ARE SEEING WHAT THEY ARE DOING and we LOVE THEM! Kudos to the moms, dads and support system these kids have in order to live with such compassion and empathy! The point of this monthly feature is to spotlight these special little leaders and help them with their efforts and hope to encourage other kids, youth, and families to follow suit!

So without further adieu, our “LITTLE LEADER” for the month of June is … Jayden Strauss!!

Jayden’s story was brought to our attention by the amazing folks at The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. If you’re unfamiliar with The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, it’s the largest all-Canadian wish-granting charity dedicated to granting wishes to Canadian children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Jayden resided in Edmonton, Alberta and was a former basketball player and his wish was the 25,000th wish granted by Children’s Wish. Sadly, Jayden was diagnosed with Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma, a muscular tissue cancer and lost his battle in November. However, Jayden’s memory strongly lives on partly because of the wish he made … and we wanted to take the time to share his incredible story with you today!

Jayden’s original wish was to design his own pair of sneakers by uniting his favourite pairs into one and Children’s Wish was able to bring this wish to life. When he laced up the sneakers he personally designed, he walked for the first time in weeks to show everyone in the hospital. Inspired by his wish of unity and the fire in his fight, King Jay was born.

King Jay is an apparel line created in Jayden’s memory that will help grant even MORE wishes to those who need it most. All of the proceeds from King Jay apparel go to the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada in order to turn wishes into reality for kids diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.

On behalf of Team Jilly, we have donated $250 towards King Jay as we believe every little fighter should have the opportunity to see their wishes come true. Thank you, Jayden, for your big heart and your courageous spirit. We are so thankful for YOU and we’re certain your legacy will carry on for many many years and wishes to come.

XOXO

Jilly