Post by Paul

I'm taking a chance by posting this because I didn't ask permission... Paul Cardall, an incredibly talented recording artist (pianist), speaker, producer & label executive is a friend of Jason's and recently commented on "Message from Jason". He was born with tricuspid atresia and transposition of the greater arteries. He's currently on the waiting list to receive a heart transplant. He wrote to Jason:

"You are the man! I know that you're also in a difficult rut but how great is God? He is amazing! It's a strange paradox but, like you, I couldn't be more grateful for the challenges I face with my health. And thank you for your inspiration. We are praying for you also. These experiences are truly for our good and I feel closer to God. I do think our wives have the much harder part. They are saints. You are really blessed!!"

I am in awe of these incredible men who cope with their illnesses with such courage and grace. I would also like to do a big SHOUT OUT for their wives. What incredible loving, caring, generous & patient women they have been blessed to marry. While I don't know Paul's wife personally, I know Stephanie and Lynette are two of God's angels on this earth!

(Check out Paul's blog at http://mytricuspidatresia.blogspot.com/)

It also gives me pause to reflect on all the many caregivers: wives to their husbands; husbands to their wives; parents to ill or handicapped children; children to their elderly parents...so many who give their love & support every day to care for those they love. God bless you all!

Special Delivery to Carla

This is Carla Nogales. She has just been dianosed with ovarian cancer. She too, has received one of Jason's very special blankets of hope!! Thank you so much, Jason!! You are inspiring so many!! Carla is overgoing her second series of Chemo. She's a trooper!!



Delivered by Sheila Agnew

Delivery to Alta View Hospital

Today I took my daughter Erin (right) and her friend Gracie (left) to Alta View Hospital to deliver 23 "Juniors". This time we left them with Tarian Auker, the Director of Volunteer Services at the hospital. She thanked us for the donation and assured us that she would get them to patients in need of some "cheering up" this holiday season!

To date, we have delivered nearly 200 "Juniors" and blankets! Look what great things we can do when we work together! Thanks again to the donations of so many wonderful people inspired by Jason. Sometimes we don't fully realize the impact we can have on others but I hope Jason is starting to get a glimpse of the impact he's having on us.

We love you Jason!

Message from Jason

Occasionally, someone will ask "How does handing out dogs and blankets help Jason?" So I asked him and this is what he said...

"One of the most difficult things for me to deal with on a daily basis is the fact that there is very little that I can do to get out and do some good. Physically, I just can't be counted on for daily things. This is how "Inspired by Jason" helps me- it makes me feel as though I am contributing to something, even though I'm not really doing anything physically. The simple fact that I have inspired someone to do something, physically, is what helps me get through each day. It helps give me...... meaning. Without the site, I wouldn't have any proof that there was something that I was doing. People say that they are inspired, and I believe them, but to actually have something that I KNOW helps people, that I have some part in, gives me something to feel good about each day- especially those times when I'm really feeling like I'm just "taking up space".

Thank you for this wonderful gift. You will never really understand how much it means to me."

Meet Krissy

Everyone who has ever met Krissy Bates, loves her! She is a young woman, age 27, with down syndrome who LOVES Jason. Whenever I ask if anyone would like to donate to Gifts of Hope & Comfort, inspired by Jason in Relief Society, Krissy's hand shoots up and she hollers "I do!". She would do anything to help Jason get better. Today I gave Krissy one of the Gifts of Hope & Comfort...a little "Junior" of her own. She hugs and loves it, and while it is very soft and cuddly, I know it means so much to her because of Jason. It includes a tag with Jason's picture and story.

I asked Krissy, "What is it you love about Jason?" and this is what she said...

"I love Jason, his wife and kids and want them to be happy. He tells me I'm an angel. I pray for Jason to save his life. He is a sweet guy and a good friend. I want to give him a hug because he's nice to everyone. I miss him so much. We talk about our problems because that's what friends do. He always makes me happy and gives me a great feeling in my heart."

Thank you Krissy for sharing your feelings about Jason with me!

Sunday Delivery

This afternoon my son Ty (age 15) and I made a delivery of about 10 blankets and 12 dogs.

First stop was back to the Burn Unit at the University of Utah Hospital. This was our first stop when we started our deliveries on Halloween. We left 3 dogs and 4 blankets. They mentioned a child by the name of "Zach". If my memory serves me correctly, that may be the same small child that was there on Halloween - 5 weeks ago! That breaks my heart.

Our next stop was Huntsman Cancer Hospital. We went straight to the two floors with patients.

One floor took 5 dogs and we left the remainder of dogs and blankets with the last floor we visited. They assured us that they would get them ALL into good hands.

Thanks again to the hospital staff that care for their patients!

"Junior" Delivery

Thanks to Julianne Wallace, fifty-five children at Shriners Hospital for Children and Primary Children's Medical Center will receive their own "Junior" courtesy of Intermountain Therapy Dogs. We are confident each "Junior" will find a loving home and provide much needed comfort!

Salt Lake Regional Medical Center Delivery

Thanks to Jewelle Roberts, several "Juniors" and blankets were delivered to patients in need at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. Thanks Jewelle for your help!

Deliveries by Jason & Steph

This was a comment left on Jason's blog the day he went home.

We've never met, but I met Stephanie in the hallway at the hospital. You gave my grandson a puppy. My dad, who is in the room next to you, is leaving today too. He will be going to a rehab center in Bountiful for about a month. I hope you don't care, but I'd like to tell your story when I talk in Sacrament meeting on Sunday. You have inspired me, I've never been grateful that I can eat and drink before hearing your story. Good luck on your recovery at home. Nicole

Jason wrote....I was told of a 25-ish yr. old girl that has been here for 3 months already and is in the process of prepping for another surgery that will only add to her stay. Funny how whenever you feel like you have it tough, there's always someone else that is much much worse. The hospital is the perfect place to get humbled. Spend some time here and you quickly realize how blessed you really are- at least that's the way that I've felt:)

Picture: nurse Nikki with gifts for 25-year-old patient.