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Jonah & The Whale Foundation was created in 2003 and launched in early 2004 by parents who were frustrated with the continued miscommunication between physicians and the continued misdiagnosis within the medical community. Such a situation eventually led to the unexpected loss of 3-year-old, Jonah, for whom the foundation is named. When a family is dealing with a complex disease or a perplexing disability, the stress and frustration with those involved can be overwhelming. The challenge of effectively communicating your child’s needs while maintaining clarity with physicians and educators is the juggling act that most parents encounter. The foundation provides parents with binders and resource materials to encourage organization of medical and educational information, and to further encourage better communication between all parties involved. The foundation also has a mobile & web library with books about many diseases and disabilities for parents to use or even purchase at a low cost. A collection of durable medical equipment is also available for parents who have exhausted every avenue to obtain insurance coverage. Finally the foundation offers emotional support for the parents and siblings as well family networking for parents to meet others in similar circumstances. J&TWF distributes family support and education through specific brochures and web pages for moms, dads, and siblings. Issues include ways for mothers to protect themselves from difficult hospitals and challenging physicians, encouragement for fathers to become more knowledgeable about and more involved with their special needs child, as well as suggestions for parents to include and support the needs of their well children.
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| The story of Jonah and the Whale is one of second chances. The foundation is a way to carry on the impact that this child had on so many. Jonah in Hebrew means "Dove" and a dove is often a symbol of peace. The foundation wants to impact the community and bring emotional and physical peace among those dealing with the difficult circumstances of having a disabled or chronically ill child. The foundation will continue its mission to reach and teach many families, not only in the Pittsburgh area and beyond, but throughout the entire country as well. Our hope is that the better suited parents are to advocate and communicate, the better the outcome medically and emotionally. We further hope that the extended support for the parents as well as the children involved will help ease the stress and sometimes isolation that may be felt within the family as well as the community.
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Jonah Versai Taimuty-Loomis 1998 - 2001
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For More Information About Us Contact:
Mars PA 16046-0981
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