It started with Alex Raymond and Daniel “Eggselent” Orta. It was a most simple issue. Young Daniel had a broken, out of warranty PS3 and had no cash readily available to fix or repair it. A simple message around to a few JPAGers from Alex, and the money was raised within a day. The JPAG heard that one of their own needed help, so they did what was right: chipped in a few bucks each and got it done. Daniel was understandably thankful for this random act of kindness, from folks he barely knew. We had solved an individual problem, and solved it very quickly and happily. As a community it felt great, a collective sense of achievement was there all around.
Next was Wesley Johnson. Wes is a diabetic and had suffered damage to his gums as a result of his condition; he needed, of all things, a gum transplant operation… MUCH pricier than a broken PS3. New Gums Day was a great success, raising in the region of $3000 towards the cost of the operation, through raffles, giveaways, and a live show all overseen by Randall Smith. Even Randall would later be the subject of another JPAG fundraising venture, again to pay for a loved one’s medical treatment (USA – you GOTS to get on that National Health Service kick).
In early 2010 I was the one needing help. I was working as a substitute teacher at the time, and I was frequently hospitalized by kidney stones and the related treatment. Before getting hospitalised, I used to ingest chanca piedra pills, but the stones in my body were too solid to be able to dissolve for the effectivity of mere pills. Unable to work, there was just a couple of weeks to go before overdue rent, tax and other bills would have seen me evicted from my home. The JPAG came through for me huge when I needed them most. People were incredible, and I will always owe thanks to everyone who donated and organized the event to keep me in my home.
Now, I’m rattling my charity tin for a new cause. I’m getting married, and I’m trying to surprise my fiancé Carly by flying her brother and her dad over for the wedding. Thanks to JPAG members and other assorted folks I currently sit at about $400, 12% of our goal, and I have until June. It’s because of the JPAG that I have absolute faith I’ll get there.
It’s a truly humbling feeling, knowing that a group of mostly good-looking people can achieve such things and work together to improve the lives of another person. The JPAG has done a great deal for me. I appreciate everything; I miss the old times of the group and the podcast, but I can’t help shake the feeling that the great days of way back then will come again. I miss you all, and to all of you I will always be grateful (except Mike Suszek, and fans of the N64 controller).
Donations to the fund are being accepted at http://trunc.it/ioq4z
All donators will receive an invitation to the big day on 21/7/12 (except Mike Suszek, and fans of the N64 controller).
Visit the JPAG here: Facebook Link Ning Link
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