Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship
Helping Families with a child/ren with health challenges and deaf/hard of hearing community.
Help families with a child/ren with challenging health issues who are in need of resources such as second opinions, financial assistance with travel and lodging for medical appointments and procedures. Also we are looking to provide a scholarship for students who are hearing impaired that are looking to go to college and need help with expenses.
Jayden's story
Founded in 2023 Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship is in memory of my son who was born with a birth defect called Tricuspid Artresia/Pulmonary Artresia. At three months he was diagnosed with a sensorineural hearing loss. Jayden NEVER let his health challenges determine him from living his best 12 years of life. Numerous of doctors appts., tests/procedures, hospital visits, etc.....
Donations
Helping Families with medical expenses
Donations can be made by zelle: (708) 940-8261, venmo:@Jayden_Ross614.This is a 501(c)3 organization. Receipts can be provided for monetary donations.
Meet Our Team
Since our founding in 2023, Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship is developing and growing. We are still learning and open to suggestions. I am very proud of my team and their abilities to contribute their own unique experience and skills to our success.
Catrina Cantrell
President/CEO
I have been apart of the healthcare field for many years in an administrative role. I have learned so much on this journey with my son about medicine, anatomy, medical terms, etc......For the last 12 years I have watched my son Jayden overcome so many obstacles. Being able to tell his story and how his life impacted so many is a blessing. Jayden will continue to live through me. My son was loving, caring and compassionate. Jayden's strength and resilience is what keeps me going. For parents/families that have a child/children with health challenges, your not alone. We are here for you. The knowledge of what I learned in regards to my son health issues, may help the next child/children.
Kimberly Harris
Vice President
Kimberly K. Harris currently serves as the dedicated school librarian for West Harvey School district 147, where she imparts her passion for literature and research for students. In addition to her teaching roles, she actively contributes to student life as a member of the leadership team, orchestrating and executing engaging activities at the middle school level. Kimberly's multifaceted expertise encompasses both educational instruction and student development, showcasing her commitment to fostering a rich learning experience.Kimberly Harris is a versatile professional with a background on school librarianship and business consulting. As the interim director of the William Leonard Public Libray District, she spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive personnel handbook, showcasing her expertise in organizational development. Kimberly's role involved overseeing various aspects, including finance, legal matters, policy procedures, building maintenance, election development programs, and community engagement. Beyond the library she actively contributes to the Cook County Digital Equity Team, playingva pivotal told in community engagement efforts to formulate a digital plan for Cook County government. Kimberly's commitment to excellence and community impact defines her dynamic career.
Regina Hunter
Secretary
Regina Catron has 20 + plus year healthcare professional who is privileged and honored to be apart of the Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship. As a person who passion is to promote health and protect others, I am looking forward to working towards helping other families that have endured similarities such as Jayden had. This is a growing foundation we are creating with the faith and love Jayden has always given to everyone around him. This scholarship represents hope from one grieving family to another. FAITH: complete trust or confidence in someone or something. FAMILY: for parents and children to stay united. LOVE: unconditional and deeply rooted. Lastly, HOPE: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. As a committee we will reach all the desires of this scholarship through these 4 deeply meaningful words
Tykia Cantrell
Committee Member
Tykia Cantrell is a highly experienced professional who has dedicated over eight years of her life to serving vulnerable youth within the community. Her passion for helping others has led her to join The Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship Foundation, which is a cause that is very close to her heart as she happens to be one of Jayden's older sisters. Tykia's primary goal is to honor the memory of her late brother brother NY dedicating herself to serving those who are experiencing hardships due to caring for a loved one with critical health conditions. With extensive experience and expertise in helping vulnerable youth, Tykia is a valuable asset yo the foundation and is committed to making a positive difference in the lived of those who need it most.
Rasheya Ross
Committee Member
Rasheya Ross is a highly respected and accomplished leader who is deeply committed to serving on the Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship Foundation board. Her passion girl making a difference in the lives of families and youth who are critically ill is truly inspiring and it is evident in the dedication and effort she outs in her work. Rasheya late brother Jayden M. Ross, is the inspiration behind her devotion to ensuring that these families have access to the resources and support they need on their journey. With over five years of experience working with children who are ill within the community, Rasheya possess the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to make a meaningful impact.
Daniella Best
Committee Member
From one grieving mother to another I felt it was important to support another mother who had lost her son to give support and comfort to other families in their times of need. Being a part of the Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship is an extension of that. Knowing how Jayden passed and the impact that it has had on his loved ones, I want to be able to support and comfort other families facing the overwhelming task of caring for an ill child and all of the things that come with that.
Lakeisha Michel
Committee Member
Lakesha Michel attended Clark Atlanta University graduating with a Bachelors if Arts in Psychology. After graduating LaKesha worked in foster care in IL. for 7 years as a caseworker, and 2 years licensing foster homes and monitoring licensed foster homes, as well as working as an education liason for the foster children. While working, Lakesha obtained her Masters of Science degree in Psychology. When I think of my cousin Jayden Ross, I think about how strong and courageous he had been in his short life. He always had a smile and was always joking around. He always prayed before holiday dinners, was a proud uncle, and thought he was the big brother to his older sisters. He adored his parents, and they adored him beyond words. My favorite memory if him is when I would come to visit either while in hospital, or at home, his face would light up and he would say, "Ma, your cousin is here. " The fact that my cousins, built this foundation for Jayden was no surprise. A foundation that helps his memory live on, while providing education about the conditions that Jayden battled, and helping other children with their medical battles. I could not contain my excitement of asking for the chance to be a part of the foundation. Prince Jayden would be do proud.
Support Our Work
Ways to Help
Volunteer
Every Contribution Counts
Do you feel called to be a part of our work and support our mission? If you’ve decided to Volunteer by passing out fliers, help with fundraising, etc..., rest assure that your time spent contributing to the work of Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship will be felt by the people that need it most.
Holiday Gifts
It would put a smile on our faces to be a blessing to these students. I know Jayden is smiling down and calling out each student name.
This year for the holiday season we will be gifting the students of the ECHO DHH program on which Jayden was apart of.
Informational
Relevant, Important Updates
What is Tricuspud Artresia?
Tricuspid Artresia is is a birth defect of the heart where the valve that controls blood flow from the right upper chamber of the heart to the right lower chamber of the heart doesn't form at all.
What is Pulmonary Artresia?
Pulmonary Artresia is birth defect of the heart where the valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the lungs doesn't form at all. In babies with this defect, blood has trouble flowing to the lungs to pick up oxygen for the body.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
At the age of 2 mths. Jayden was diagnosed with a Sensorineural hearing loss. A Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or the nerve from the ear to the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent. In adults, causes include aging and prolonged exposure to loud noise. In children and infants, causes include congenital abnormalities or infections. A known medication Lasix (Fureosomide) can cause this type of hearing loss.
Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship
Stay tuned for updates, health information.
Local newspaper article (Lansing Journal)
Jayden Ross was a bright, caring, loving son/brother that is truly missed by everyone that knew him. He has loving parents: Catrina Cantrell, Ricardo Ross Jr., and three loving older sisters: Rasheya Ross, Tykia Cantrell, and Aaliyah Ross.
My son Jayden Ross was born June 14, 2010, a congenital heart condition called Tricuspid Artresia/Pulmonary Artresia, and a sensorineural hearing loss. I knew about the condition during pregnancy and was informed of the different surgeries that my son would have to have.
When Jayden was born the first surgery that he had was a BT shunt at the tender age of two days old. The effect that it had on our family was how to cope with the health challenges that Jayden would have. We didn’t learn of his hearing loss until he was 2 months old when he was being discharged from the hospital. At that time, I was in denial due to what the doctors were saying, our family was observing the opposite.
The financial impact that it had on our family was that I was unable to work in the beginning because of the care that Jayden needed. I had a hard time trusting anyone/daycare to care for him and provide the care needed. I was a stay-at-home mom and received help from the government. When I was able to go to work, I only worked minimum hours, and Jayden’s dad had FMLA in place. I understand the hardship of taking care of a child/loved one with health challenges is very demanding and can be overwhelming at times.
I have always advocated for my son and over the last 12 years, I have learned so much on this journey. Jayden did not let his health challenge deter him from being a very energetic boy. Jayden knew his limitations and when he got tired, he stopped. My son showed us how to be strong and to keep pushing.
On November 4, 2022, when my son transitioned to be with the Lord, I was devastated. During the holiday season it was hard not having his presence with us. I was sitting and thinking, and I said I want to start a scholarship in my son’s name. I am determined to keep my son’s name alive. I discussed with my daughters, kids’ father, family and friends and they all said it was a good idea. In 2023 a committee was formed, and we started planning.
The name of our foundation is “The Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship.”
Our foundation’s mission is to help a family that has a child/children with health challenges cover some of the cost that is associated with the care. We understand insurances don’t cover all medications, travel expenses for second/third opinions, lodging, etc. We believe in being a part of the deaf and hard of hearing community as well.
If you would like to be involved or learn more about the foundation, we have a Facebook page: The Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship, and also our website is www.heartofgold614.com, so please visit and subscribe.
For the year 2023, we hosted a game night (Jayden loved to play games), just being around family and friends and having a good time. We also held a fundraiser selling fish dinners, and gifted Jayden’s class at ECHO (DHH) program and teachers with holiday gifts. We will be having an upcoming fundraiser in the summer. We are also planning to have a health fair.
We have not started accepting essays/videos for the scholarship. We are looking forward to having a formal dinner in 2025. More details are coming soon in regard to the criteria.
If you would like to make a monetary donation:
Zelle info is: (708) 940-8261 and it is under The Jayden M. Ross Faith Family Love Scholarship
Venmo: @Jayden_Ross614
**When monetary donations are made and you would like a receipt, we can provide. **
**WE ARE A NON FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION (501c3) **
Interview
On Febraury 21, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Pastor Kyle at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Lansing, IL. Please visit the church website and watch the interview. We would also like to say Thank you to Pastor Kyle and congregation for there generous donation to our foundation.
Nomination
Being nominated surprisingly by my church family was a nice surprise. To be selected is an honor. I thank God for this award and to speak on something that is so dear to me. Families with child/children, or anyone with health issues/disabilities, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!#Greaterin2024