The Jimmy Sayer Handstand Foundation

"I often think about why Jimmy died. For him to come and go so quickly, as if his life was like a leaf that blew down the street, there just has to be a purpose." Those are the words of Stephanie Sayer; a grieving mother who lost her only child, Jimmy Sayer.

Jimmy's story began when he was born prematurely, at 28 weeks and weighing only two pounds, two ounces. Jimmy overcame the many health complications associated with a premature birth and graduated from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with no ill effects. Sadly, Jimmy died of complications associated with what many would consider a routine surgery - a tonsillectomy. Jimmy was just five years old.

To honor Jimmy's memory, Stephanie Sayer's family established a foundation, known today as The Jimmy Sayer Handstand Foundation. The foundation was named after Jimmy and his love for handstands. "They were actually headstands," said Stephanie Sayer of Williamstown, the foundation's chief executive officer and board chairman. "Jimmy loved doing headstands; they were his latest trick and favorite thing to do," said Sayer. "His friends called him the handstand king."

Sayer credits the foundation with keeping her busy and helping her cope with the death of her son. "When you lose a child, it is one of the most unnatural things. Selfishly, the foundation helps to keep Jimmy's name in the forefront. So people will know who he was; his name will still be part of society," explained Sayer.

The Jimmy Sayer Handstand Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to assisting children and their families who are coping with the effects of pre-maturity, or financial burden associated with medical conditions. Sayer chose to focus on families with premature infants because she could relate to the financial hardships and struggles associated with having a preemie. The foundation learns of families in need by working in collaboration with hospitals and social agencies, as well as through word of mouth.

Although the foundation has maintained its commitment of assisting families with premature infants, their focus has also evolved to assist other children within Jimmy's age group. Most recently, the foundation has begun to explore various other programs all centered on the idea of children and families in need. Tic-Tac-Toys, named after Jimmy's favorite game of tic-tac-toe, is one such program that will have a visible presence during the holiday season. Through this program, members of the foundation will visit area hospitals and deliver toys to children who are sick and hospitalized during the holidays.

"I have gotten something from watching the children and families that the foundation's been able to help," said Sayer. "I always say, 'This is from Jimmy Sayer;' everything I do, I am doing through him."

This year will mark the third Christmas without Jimmy. Through the work of The Jimmy Sayer Handstand Foundation, it is clear that Jimmy's legacy lives on and his life continues to touch many.

As the holidays draw near and you gather together to celebrate with your children and loved ones, take the time to hug your children a little tighter and tell them you love them one extra time - do it for Jimmy Sayer.

About the foundation:
To date Jimmy's gifts have helped more than twenty families throughout the tri-state area and the foundation has raised more than $50,000. All funds raised directly benefit local families since the foundation is a 100% volunteer effort with minimal overhead.

To recommend a family in need, donate to this worthy cause or learn more about Jimmy and how the foundation is "touching the future one miracle at a time," visit The Jimmy Sayer Handstand Foundation at www.jimmysayer.org.