Paying it Forward

For many traumatic experiences in our lives, one must assume that once you get burnt you will stop and avoid what has hurt you. For most it is true but, for some who are brave they turn these events into a life changing opportunity.

On August 16, 2005 while scuba diving in the Florida Keys, a boat propeller struck both Jordan’s legs and was ultimately cut off in order to save him. Right after two weeks from operation, Jordan was sent to rehabilitation where he experienced the most challenging part of his recovery.

In 2007, Jordan Thomas graduated from the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he  was a member of the golf and bowling teams, and one of his goals in rehabilitation was to rejoin his teammates for my senior year. With a successful golf season ‘it’s great to be back playing golf.’ Thomas expressed. 

When Thomas was in the hospital, he was really touched by the kids who would never be able to achieve their dreams because they did not have the money to continue their recovery and rehabilitation. Thomas shared a story about a boy he had met in the hospital. His name was Larry.

Larry was one boy who had been severely burned and was recovering in the Trauma Rehabilitation Unit. He had almost no resources with which to continue his rehabilitation after discharge. To make matters worse, Larry was placed on a waiting list to go to a foster home as his parents had abandoned him. Thomas felt deep sadness and empowered at the same time.

With that in mind, Thomas set up the Jordan Thomas Foundation to raise money for children with traumatic injuries who are not as fortunate as he was. With the foundation, he hopes to raise at least five hundred thousand dollars to help these kids. And that he did.

http://www.jordanthomasfoundation.org/Home/AboutJordan.aspx