Our family was blessed to have so much such support while we struggled with the illness and passing of Jarred. As time moved on and the Foundation grew stronger, we realized that our family was not alone and met countless families in situations similar to ours. This helped in creating and strengthening our mission and at the same time kept the memory of Jarred alive. In the ten years of the Foundation we raised almost $300,000 and assisted over 200 families. This is quite an extraordinary achievement for a nonprofit all volunteer board in such a small community.

As I write this letter I reflect back on the many people from all over Vermont and upstate New York my family has met through the Foundation. Without the support of all those who donated both time and money to all of our events, none of this assistance would have been possible. The Foundation was the bridge bringing your support to the families in need.

I would love for everyone to be able to read all of the many requests that came to us through the years, most bringing tears to our eyes as we struggled to understand their pain. I am incredibly proud of all the members who volunteered their time to serve on the Board through the years. Some knew Jarred when he was a young boy on the local soccer field or little league field where we coached together as dads. Some were moms sitting on the side lines with my wife Maureen and others who joined because they believed strongly in the mission of the Foundation.

Throughout the years we made several new friends from the Hawaiian Cruises on Lake Champlain with members of UVM Athletics to new family and friends at West Bolton Golf Club, enjoying the great times playing in the often cold and wet weather! Traditions are hard to break as for some reason Jarred always wanted us to play in bad weather! There are no words to express the fun that was had by all at the annual Wiffle Ball Tournament hosted by Pat and Beth O'Connor. Thanks to their generosity the many teams that played on the fields in support of the Jarred Williams Foundation. We will always cherish those moments. What was given to us on those beautiful September days was something very special. People came from all over helping us raise thousands of dollars for those in need. We are forever grateful to the sponsors of all these events. Our last event will be Jarred's Run on November 24, 2011. We are hoping to bring together the many people who have supported us through the years to participate in this final celebration.

We have witnessed family and friends from all corners of the country come together in support of our needs as well as the needs of others. Maureen, Danielle and I could not have managed without all of you.

We will never forget the many hours given by all the Board members; Holly Wilkinson-Ray, Allison Hoar, Bruce Foust, Ted Yeates, Sue Carpenter, Heather Parker, Chuck Gilroy, Dave Thomas, Rose Leland, Jesse Snyder, Alan Homans and Kevin Sneddon. The gift we have been given in keeping Jarred's memory alive will always be cherished. We would like to thank you all and we love you for all that you did.

The decision to move on in our lives and dissolve the Foundation was not an easy one. We will cherish always the friendships and the memories that have come to us through the Foundation. Although the Foundation will no longer exist as we know it, there will always be families in need with children suffering from chronic and life threatening illnesses. I ask you to remember these families with continued support, keeping the mission of The Jarred Williams Foundation alive. Let us not forget the suffering cancer has caused my family and the families of many others. Thank you for all you have done in keeping the name and memory of Jarred alive.

Sincerely,

Dwayne Williams
President
The Jarred Williams Foundation