JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Parents of children diagnosed with cancer deal with many financial hardships and stress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues are heightened even more.
On Saturday night, the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation worked to give families a break from the daily stress with a drive-in Christmas movie.
About 75 total families parked at the University of North Florida to enjoy the movie and live music performances.
Because of COVID-19, Jay Fund’s events were forced to move to virtual platforms, but this is one of the first they’ve been able to host in person.
Across Florida, more than 300 families are going through active childhood cancer treatments. The Jay Fund looks to help those families financially and emotionally.
”We’re looking to create a little bit of normalcy in the holiday season for them. Give them a break from their day-to-day routines of doctors appointments and hospital visits,” Keli Coughlin, the CEO, said.
Antwane Wesley and his mother, Shanta, understands that routine. Antwane was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.
“Changes had to be made, of course, throughout the process. Luckily you have good people to help,” Shanta told Action News Jax reporter Robert Grant. “It just gives everybody a sigh of relief for our evening — to get out and enjoy and do something fun that’s safe.”
Cox Media Group
