This One is for Jack
In this space each week, I write about ideas that I know can help individual company retirement plan participants to improve the investment performance in their company retirement plan accounts.
In the last week or so, all my thoughts and ideas do not seem as important as they usually do. All that I have thought about in the last ten days is “what I can do” or “who do I know” that can help Jack Jablonski.
I am sure that you have seen the story in the news and on the internet. Jack Jablonski is a 10th grade hockey player at Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in St. Louis Park. He was severely injured in a JV hockey game on December 30, 2011.
For the people that have heard about this story as the events have unfolded, Jack’s accident is a very sad story. For me and my family, it has been more than just “local news.”
My son attends Benilde-St. Margaret’s. He is a player on the same hockey team. He was on the ice at the time Jack go hurt. He is one of Jack Jablonski’s best friends.
And like every other kid that goes to BSM, the last ten days have changed his life forever.
I am part of a team of parents that is working together to get Jack what he needs now and in the future. We have set up some resources in the last few days in an effort to “get the word out” on how people from around the world can help support Jack emotionally, spiritually, and financially.
Just yesterday, the Jack Jablonski Fund web site went live. This site is intended to be the best internet resource available for people who want to donate money and purchase items for Jack.
The instructions on how to donate money are on the web site now. In the next few days, instructions will be available on this web site on how to purchase items. The proceeds from the sales of items on this web site will go to the Jack Jablonski Fund.
If you want to donate money in-person, just stop by any Wells Fargo Bank. Reference the Jack Jablonski Fund.
If you want to mail a donation, you can mail it to:
Jack Jablonski Fund
Box 16387
St. Louis Park, MN 55416-2618
If you have something that you would like to donate for Jack, just respond to me at the link below in my signature.
The most important news during this last week came on Thursday, when a Hennepin County Medical Center neurosurgeon was quoted in a news conference that “it would take a miracle” for Jack to regain the use of his arms, hands and legs.
As the BSM JV hockey team was playing St. Louis Park late yesterday afternoon at the St. Louis Park Rec Center, Jack’s mom, Leslie Jablonski, showed up at the packed hockey rink.
Leslie had a smile on her face. She arrived with the news that Jack was able to move both arms yesterday.
Miracle on.
mark melin
10:19 am on Monday, January 9, 2012
As a Physician/MD, though more importantly as a Father/DAD, we recognize that only God can heal the physical and spiritual wounds that occur - Jack's injury created a gaping hole in all of our Hearts and Souls and the Good Lord (who shed the first tears over this tradegy) is already at work creating Miracles thru healing a community and a son and his family. Jeremiah 29:11 nails it - God has plans for Jack to prosper and walk thru a new set of doors that will enlighten many - this can be the "Bill Masterton" event of our generation that will make the game of hockey safer for all - we didn't ask for this, though we will certainly shoulder the responsibilty to improve safety and outcomes for our children - and for Jack and every other injured skater. May God Bless the Recoveries to come -
Mark Melin