Hello Friends, I am reaching out because Jerry and his wife, Lori, need our help. I met Jerry in 2008 at work, and we immediately connected. Jerry became my first mentor and took me under his wing. He taught me what it meant to be a leader. Jerry became like a father to me and treated me as if I was one of his own. I’ll never forget driving to a theatre rehearsal before my son was born and Jerry pulling the car over on a side road late at night. He put that gear in park, looked at me and said “Brad, you need to know something. Childbirth IS VIOLENT!” He then proceeded to explain what I was about to witness making sure I was ready to support my child’s mother in her delivery. That’s Jerry - caring, dramatic and hysterical. One of my most cherished memories is Jerry convincing me to audition with him for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in Dover. Jerry was terrified and hated being the center of attention but didn’t let that stop him. He loves to sing and can harmonize to anything. Jerry had this big number in the second act, “Those Canaan Days” and man he brought the house down. We started singing everywhere: community choirs, men’s groups, church, and theatre any chance we could. My most cherished memories are singing with him at Christmas. Nobody loves Christmas more than Jerry. He would keep a Christmas tree up all year if Lori would let him. Those that worked with him know he always had a Christmas tree in his office sometimes all year long. Jerry has the best sense of humor and the most ridiculous, over-the-top facial expressions. He will make you laugh usually at the most inconvenient time or when you’re supposed to be serious like in the middle of a meeting, during a prayer circle, cutting up during a rehearsal or even when he’s sick and you think he needs you to be strong. Yesterday, while sitting with him and his family they tried to get him to eat some yogurt. He didn’t have the strength to talk, but that didn’t keep him from rolling his eyes at Lori or whispering to his kids “up” and as they all worked to adjust him he would whisper “down” and then as they are adjusting him down another whisper “up” giving as best of a smile as he could letting them know he was teasing them. Even now he still has everyone laughing. It’s his irreverence and willingness to see the humour and joy in life that is so infectious. Jerry taught us all to not take life and ourselves too seriously. Jerry and Lori would give the shirts off their back to a stranger who needed it. Jerry and Lori already had two children when they found four siblings that needed to be adopted and rescued from a bad situation. They didn’t think twice about adopting them to avoid them being split up in foster care. Years later, they took in a family because they had no home. Jerry extended his house so they could move in all while still raising 6 children of their own. Most of you know that Jerry has been battling a horrible cancer called multiple myeloma for three years. Well, the cancer has really escalated over the last week and Jerry is In pretty bad shape. He is home now surrounded by Lori, his kids and his grandkids Addison and Cooper wrapped in a blanket with the pictures of all of his grandkids who are his entire joy. This time it’s Jerry and Lori who need our help. Please consider donating whatever you can. The medical bills are out of control. Also, please share this post and keep them in your prayers while reflecting on your memories with Jerry and how he has touched your life. Much love to you all, Brad Esham