Jenna Jo Cline, the daughter of Jami and Scott Cline, had a traumatic birth six short years ago.
After a strenuous delivery, her family learned that Jenna Jo was born with one kidney. Her kidney …
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Jenna Jo Cline, the daughter of Jami and Scott Cline, had a traumatic birth six short years ago.
After a strenuous delivery, her family learned that Jenna Jo was born with one kidney. Her kidney was not functioning normally, and she was diagnosed with stage 3 renal failure.
Recently, Jenna Jo’s kidney function has significantly deteriorated and her renal status has been upgraded to stage 4. As a result, she will be required to undergo kidney transplant surgery this spring.
That is where Cranston resident Mary Ouellette and her sister, Colleen Dorian, stepped in. Jenna Jo is their cousin, and they have planned Jenna Jo’s Angels Bike Run/Fundraiser Cruise for a Cause, which will be held on June 22 to benefit the Jenna Cline Kidney Transplant Fund.
With kickstands up at 1 p.m. at Stadium Pub, located at 1145 Park Ave. in Cranston, the day and evening will be set aside to help raise funds for the cause. The rain date for the bike run only is July 13.
“We would like to raise funds to bridge the financial gap between what their insurance will cover and any unforeseen financial surprises associated with their transplant,” said Ouellette. “All of the money raised will go into Jenna Jo’s fund. If you would like to help them financially, please feel free to donate.”
After extensive testing, it was found that Jenna Jo’s mother, Jamie, has been deemed a match. The surgery is scheduled for mid-June. This will require both Jenna Jo and Jamie to undergo invasive surgery and months of recovery.
For Jenna Jo, this means close monitoring to ensure her body accepts the new kidney, which will include weekly doctor visits for the first year after her transplant. She will require extensive care and need to be on medications for the rest of her life. On average, a kidney transplant lasts between 12 to 15 years, although some may last a lifetime and others, sadly, may not last very long at all.
“Colleen started this with her GoFundMe account for online donations,” said Ouellette. “Then I got the idea to do this event as well to help defray the costs. There have been a number of other fundraisers in the last couple months and several others planned through different venues. They are hoping to raise $50,000 to help defray the costs.”
All of the money raised will go into a bank account in care of “The Jenna Cline Fund.” Donations to this account will help cover medical expenses and prescriptions not covered by insurance, alternative care, financial support to help the family with the care of Jenna and Jamie after the transplant as well as meals and other in-home support.
This event will begin with a scenic ride through Cranston, Scituate and West Greenwich, with a halfway stop at Dan’s Place for food and refreshments. During the event, there will be entertainment, food, raffle items, a 50/50 raffle and T-shirts for sale.
“We hope to raise funds to help bridge the financial gap for her transplant after care,” said Ouellette. “We will accomplish this goal due in large part to the generosity of companies … Contributions, whether monetary or in the form of a gift that we can raffle, will be publicly recognized at the event. We are also looking for sponsors for the bike run. For $100, your company logo will be embossed on the back of the T-shirts.”
All checks are to be made payable to Friend of Jenna J. Cline, and both Ouellette and Dorian are still seeking donations for raffles and other assistance that day.
Sign-ups begin at 11:30 a.m. with donuts, coffee and a free T-shirt for the first 100 motorcycle riders. The bike run will be followed by a party at 5 p.m. The donation is $25 for a single rider and $10 for passengers. The party is free to all riders and to the public for a $10 admission at the door. Live music by Heavy Rescue Band will wrap up the evening at the Stadium Pub.
“As I lay here in bed with my princess Jenna Jo, I can’t help to think … what a wonderful miracle she is. Also how blessed we are for everything to smoothly come together with all the testing process,” said Jamie Cline.
“But most of all, the love and support we get from family, friends and strangers. A big thank you to all who prayed, donated and just listened to us when we needed you. You are all amazing! Some of you even have halos!” said Scott Cline.
They are a little over a month away from the fundraiser and they are still in need of companies willing to sponsor the Bike Run. Your tax deductible $100 donation would help defray the cost of the event and in return they will advertise your business on the back of the event T-shirts. They will be going to print soon so they need to know about sponsorships as soon as possible.
Those interested in sponsorships can contact Mary Ouellette at 230-7935 or Colleen Dorian at 578-8351.
All donations may also be made payable to Friend of Jenna J. Cline and mailed to 37 Brookside Drive, Cranston, RI, 02910.
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cbdbree
Thank you meri for helping to spread the word for the cline family. Please visit her go fund me page to learn about Jenna Jo and her journey .http://www.gofundme.com/A-kidney-for-Jenna-Jo
Monday, June 16, 2014 Report this