John and Jill Lundberg: Devoted Grandparents and Advocates

Like many parents and grandparents, John and Jill Lundberg had no idea about ChildServe until their granddaughter, Jordyn, was born with special healthcare needs. Now, nearly 20 years later, the Johnston couple is among the organization's most devoted advocates, raising awareness, generating private gift resources and strengthening ChildServe's position in the special needs community.

"When something like this happens (a child with special needs) you get an education right away," says John. "We began researching all the programs and services offered by ChildServe and started to become involved." With previous volunteer experience at Variety and Prairie Meadows, John joined the ChildServe Board of Trustees in 2003 and spent three years advancing ChildServe's mission.

Jordyn began to receive outpatient therapy, in-home nursing, case management and respite services early in her life. As her medical condition became more complex, the family made a decision to move her to ChildServe's Continuing Care Unit, where pediatric skilled care is provided in a child-centered environment to optimize each child's health and well-being.

"ChildServe's team members provide a level of care that's different than any other skilled care facility," says Brandi Wright, Jordyn's mother. "They care for and worry about Jordyn just like I do. She has friends, swims in the pool, attends group music therapy and experiences social interactions that wouldn't be possible at many care providers. She has blossomed at ChildServe."

"In business, you develop a feel for employees—their work ethic, commitment and abilities," adds John. "We could tell immediately there's something extra special about the staff at ChildServe—they go above and beyond to exceed your expectations. From the executives to the supervisors to the therapists and housekeepers—it's more than just a job for them."

A banker by trade, John would eventually switch careers and become a commercial development broker specializing in the rehabilitation of hotel properties. His firm would purchase distressed hotels across the country, restore and resell them. Through this process, the Lundbergs would gather a large contingent of personal contacts and business associates. Toss in an active social network, and the couple built a large network of friends. Many of these relationships have evolved into close personal friendships with the Lundberg family.

"From day one, we promised Jordyn that we would be right there with her," says Jill. "Our friends have become part of this team. They brought us food when Jordyn's condition was diagnosed; they held us when we sobbed. They care for Jordyn and they care for us. When various needs have come up, there was no question; it was how can we help."

Four years ago, the Lundbergs were catalysts in transforming a little-used concrete courtyard into a healing garden. In just a few months, a committee spearheaded by John and Jill surpassed its goal of raising $350,000 to build a garden that features natural materials for play elements, multiple textures in walking paths and plantings, an open turf area for events and free play and multiple seating options for reflection and gathering.

Now, the couple is deeply involved in another ChildServe priority—extending care for medically complex young adults who previously would have "aged out" of the long-term care facility. They recently hosted four informational meetings attended by more than 75 family and friends, have made a personal commitment and are actively helping secure other gifts to help finance the necessary capital renovations to expand this care program.

"There was some element of sadness with each of Jordyn's birthdays, knowing that we were one step closer to the date of having to make some really tough decisions about her future care," says Brandi. "There are no words to describe what this means to our family."

You Can Make a Difference

To learn how you can make a difference for children and families, like Jordyn and the Lundbergs, contact Colleen Rogers Messenger CAP® at colleen@childserve.org or 515-251-5572.