In Loving Memory of Jeremy Childs: Funeral Support

Some say “it takes a village” to raise a child. For Jeremy Robert Childs, he didn’t take a village, he made a village. He was a boy who brought together parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, volunteers, neighbors, doctors, nurses, specialists, and more.

Jeremy was born with a rare genetic disorder known as Marshall-Smith Syndrome. While this condition defined many aspects of life for both him and his family, Jeremy nonetheless was a blessing, and his condition made every moment with him, every mile marker, all the more special. Moments like his first hike, or riding a bicycle, moments like swimming in his Jer-Bear floaty, and riding in Dad’s kayak.

Aside from the big moments, though, Jeremy had an innumerable number of little moments as well. The times that iconically exemplified Jeremy’s personality and the essence of who he was. Moments with him vocalizing because he had so much to say, shaking his favorite musical toy and running his car along the side of his bed like a racetrack, mischievously pulling out his trach and giggling each time his mom or his nurse had to come back and reconnect it. Moments like his smile when his parents spoke to him, kissed him, and rubbed his hair or his belly.

Jeremy loved the zippy sounds of pop tubes and the roar of loud car engines, he was enamored by the cheerful colors and movement of PJ Masks. He understood questions asked of him and would shake his head for “no” and raise his eyebrows for “yes”, often responding with whatever answer was most contrary. In contrast, he hated sunshine in his eyes, and would frequently pull his hat or a blanket over his face to shade himself.

On Thursday, October 17th, Jeremy got on the school bus like any other day. Only a few hours later he was rushed to Primary Children’s Hospital without a pulse. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, Jeremy’s sweet soul departed this earth not long after. Words cannot possibly convey the immensity of the loss caused by his sudden and unexpected passing.

The Childs family now finds themselves in the heartbreaking position of planning his funeral arrangements rather than his his next hike, his nursing schedule, his Halloween costume, his Christmas pajamas. The purpose of this GoFundMe is to assist them with the weight of those funeral costs. Any contribution to these expenses, big or small, is deeply appreciated and immeasurably helpful. At times like this, loved ones often asks “how can I help?” or “what can I do?”. Please consider sharing this fundraiser as that is a simple and impactful way of showing your support during this grieving period.

We are Jeremy’s village. Our love for him is both mighty and unshakeable. We are forever changed for the better to have had his light touch our lives. This is not goodbye forever, it is merely goodbye for now.

Until we meet again, Jeremy. We love you.