Bereavement
At JDMF, we deeply understand the profound and unbearable pain that accompanies the loss of a child, as we have experienced it firsthand through the loss of our beloved son, James. Our personal journey through grief has inspired us to create an organization dedicated to assisting families navigating the difficult path of bereavement.
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We recognize that the weight of grief can feel overwhelming, compounded by the financial burden that often accompanies end-of-life arrangements. It is our unwavering commitment to alleviate this burden to some degree and provide compassionate support to families who have lost children to congenital heart disease.
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In addition to providing financial assistance, we are dedicated to helping families create lasting memorials for their children. We understand the significance of preserving the memory of a child lost too soon, and we offer support in various ways. Whether it is through the establishment of memorial benches, the creation of personalized headstones, the development of serene garden spaces, or the planting of meaningful trees, we aim to provide families with tangible and enduring ways to honor and remember their beloved child.
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At JDMF, we honor the memory of our son, James, by devoting ourselves to helping others who are enduring a similar loss. Our personal experience has ignited a fire within us to make a difference in the lives of families, to normalize grief, and to create a space where the memory of each child can be cherished and celebrated.
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Please contact us if you are in need of assistance or complete this form!
Care Packages
For Inpatient CHD Families
A hospital stay with a child in cardiac care can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. Our inpatient care packages are filled with comfort items, goodies, and practical essentials to help families through long days and nights at the hospital.
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By donating toward a care package, you’re sending more than just supplies—you’re sending love, encouragement, and a reminder that they are not alone on this journey. Each gift is thoughtfully prepared with the needs of CHD families in mind and delivered directly to the family.
Grateful James Day
A Day of Giving in Honor of James David Doss
Grateful James Day is an annual event hosted by the James Doss Memorial Foundation each July to honor the birthday of James, who spent six weeks in the Cardiac ICU at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
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On this special day, we create a comforting space inside the CICU and ACCU filled with free items for families to take—children’s toys, books, snacks, and care packages for parents. It’s our way of offering love, support, and a little light during difficult times. We also honor and show heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff who care for these patients with compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication every day.
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This day is rooted in James’ memory and the desire to bring hope to families walking a similar journey. With the help of our community and supporters, Grateful James Day continues to grow each year—reminding families that they are not alone.
