{"id":12609,"date":"2018-03-04T18:18:41","date_gmt":"2018-03-04T23:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saratoga.com\/daily-planet-arthur\/?p=12609"},"modified":"2018-03-04T18:18:41","modified_gmt":"2018-03-04T23:18:41","slug":"planet-mandy-jakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saratoga.com\/daily-planet-arthur\/2018\/03\/planet-mandy-jakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Planet Mandy: Jake’s Hinge on the Doorway"},"content":{"rendered":"
After Heather and Brian Straughter lost their son Jake at the age of four Heather decided to train for a half-marathon to help her get through the pain. During many of her runs, Heather would notice a red cardinal floating by her in the sky, or perched in a bush as she rounded a corner. On one particular long run, Heather noticed the same cardinal keeping her company, sharing in her journey, and providing a sense of comfort. <\/p>\n Jake\u2019s Help From Heaven (JHFH) was established in 2011 in as way to honor their son, Jake. It is a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting individuals with multiple medical challenges and disabilities. Heather and Brian\u2019s main goal when founding Jake\u2019s was to help families and individuals breathe a little easier as they face challenges that occur when caring for medically fragile and special needs individuals. <\/p>\n In their founding year, Jake\u2019s awarded the 9 applications received a total of $10,114 in equipment and reimbursements. As of December 2017, Jake\u2019s Help From Heaven has granted over $527,000 to families in need. <\/p>\n Heather stated, \u201cWe wanted to honor our son, and Jake\u2019s has grown in such a way that it takes my breath away.\u201d<\/p>\n This non-for-profit organization gives 100 percent of all money raised directly to the worthy recipients. Jake\u2019s Help From Heaven has no overhead and wonderful donors who cover any fundraiser expenses. <\/p>\n This event is so organized that about a week prior to the fundraiser, your Jakes nylon bag will be left at your doorstep containing your red Jake\u2019s t-shirt, hat, other fun swag items, and your lane assignment.<\/p>\n I know you have heard it before, but I can confirm as of today there are only 75 slots left and this event always sells out! As someone who has attended this event for multiple years in a row, I can tell you first hand that there is nothing more moving than seeing hundreds of adults and children all wearing their red shirts for a unified cause. <\/p>\n
\nSARATOGA SPRINGS – Have you ever lost a loved one and in your grief and reflection notice a red cardinal outside your kitchen window or resting in your favorite tree? Many believe that the red cardinal is the most notable spiritual messenger. When I looked up the word cardinal I learned it\u2019s derived from the Latin word cardo<\/em>, meaning hinge or axis. \u201cLike a hinge on a door, the cardinal is the hinge on the doorway between our Earthly world and the Spirit world, carrying messages back and forth.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nFast forward only 6 years to the year 2017 when Jake\u2019s Help From Heaven granted an unbelievable total of $133,171 to a total of 143 approved applications. <\/p>\n
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\nAs a humbled provider of information, I\u2019m here this year; to hand deliver your invitation to Jake\u2019s birthday party, which will take place at Saratoga Strike Zone on April 29th, 11 am-1 pm.
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\nIn true Jake\u2019s style, Heather and Brian have designed this event around family. In a town when there are mostly adult attended fundraisers – this is one event that you can bring your children too – and not only give, but create a memory with your loved ones.
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\nThere are several bowling options, but the one my family opted for is just $25 dollars per person. The girls and I will be able to bowl for 2 hours, enjoy the ballocity playground, ride the bumper cars, use our given tokens in the arcade, and munch on pizza and drinks. <\/p>\n