Support for Pax’s Journey: Help Beth Stay Home to Care for Her Son

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Hearts,

I’m reaching out to you today to share the story of my bright, resilient nephew, Pax (aka Bubba Jones) and to ask for your support. Pax was born with a club foot and a rare condition called longitudinal deficiency disorder. He’s undergone two surgeries on his club foot, and has worn braces and casts from a young age to help him walk. Despite all this, he remains the happiest, most joyful four-year-old you could ever meet.

Now, Pax is facing his biggest challenge yet. On February 27th, he will undergo a major surgery at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. The procedure will involve cutting his Achilles tendon, transferring a tendon from his tibia, and cutting the tendons on the bottom of his foot leading to his toes. His foot will be surgically opened in three places. There’s also a possibility that his heel bone will need to be repositioned. The surgery will be intense, and Pax will be unable to walk for at least six weeks. Afterward, he will require extensive physical therapy to learn to walk again, with a recovery timeline that could stretch up to a year. We also learned Pax would have to wear his brace day and night until he is 10 years old.

During this difficult time, Pax’s mother, my sister Beth, should be home full-time to care for him. As a full-time RN, she works hard to support her family. She is the sole breadwinner as Pax’s dad is disabled with frontal lobe epilepsy. She works contracted hours and her job requires long hours far away from home. She is not provided PTO.

Unfortunately, due to Pax’s condition, he will also need to miss preschool, which has been an important part of his life.

We are raising funds to help cover the family’s bills, mortgage, and day-to-day expenses while Bethany takes the time off to be there for Pax. We want to make sure she can focus entirely on caring for him during his recovery without the added stress of financial strain. The money raised will allow Beth to be home with Pax while he recovers from surgery and begins the long road to regaining mobility.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a world of difference. Your support will help Pax get the care he needs, and give my sister the peace of mind to know she can be there for her son during this critical time. My sister would do anything for anyone and never ask for help. I’m asking for help for her.

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. Your love and support mean everything to our family. Pax will want his momma with him during this journey.

With gratitude,

Jennie Thomas