Hello, my name is Amanda. I’ve come here to tell you a story. A story of resilience, of love and faith, and of the utmost gratitude.
This story begins with a little baby boy being born to a very grateful mother. Gordy is the boy, Jamie is the mother.
I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Jamie and Gordy for the past three years. I’ve never met anyone closer to a pair of angels on earth. Despite everything this family has endured there is never anything but a giant smile and a positive message that results from interacting with these two.
Gordy was born with Double Inlet Left Ventricule – a heart condition. He had his first open heart surgery (the PA band procedure) at 3 weeks old, and the second open heart surgery (The Glenn procedure) at 3 months old. The second procedure resulted in a stroke that contributed to left side cerebral palsy. Gordy is now four years old, and is the sweetest, joyful child. He has far exceeded all expectations and has triumphed every obstacle in his path. Gordy is an inspiration that will leave your heart full of love, hope and genuine joy. His smile and courageous outlook can melt even the strongest resolve.
“Super Gordy” is now getting ready to face the third, biggest and hopefully final open heart surgery (The Fontan procedure). It is a difficult, long lasting surgery with a hard recovery. I have no doubt that Gordy will wake up with a smile and continue to fill the world with his beautiful singing voice, positive attitude and bubbly personality. He has an outlook, attitude and the perseverance that we all should strive for. This surgery has the potential to extend Gordy’s life for up to 30 years. Trust me when I say, we need him – and more people like him and his sweet family- in this world.
If you have been around Rome Georgia, you probably know, have heard of, or at the very least have been unknowingly affected by the kindness, helpfulness, hard work and dedication always given by Gordy’s mom. Our very own Jamie Foster.
Jamie in her own words, describes herself as “a yes man”. She is much more than that. She is a wonderful mother, among the movers and shakers, a beyond dedicated worker, a listening ear, a kind word, a problem solver, a woman of faith, a beyond involved part of the community, and the very definition of kindness and grace.
Jamie is the President and incoming Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis club. The executive director at the Montessori School of Rome, has had involvement with the Rome Little Theatre, a board member of the Chieftains Museum. She jumps at the opportunity to serve, volunteer and coordinate. She offers help, experience based advice, and encouragement to anyone in need. I could go on and on about her accolades, but, if you know her – you already know. If you don’t know her, she is the type of person who comes into your life and leaves you with a new perspective, new inspiration, and an impression that will have a permanent spot- whether subtle or profound.
The truth of the matter is Jamie, Gordy and their family will soon be facing extreme physical, mental, and financial strain as Gordy faces this upcoming surgery. While I know they will face it with a heart full of faith, a positive attitude, and a gratefulness for each moment – the toll it will take on them will be ever present as well.
Jamie would never admit to being the “super woman” she is, nor would she openly ask her community for outright help. She, in her beautiful fashion, is focused instead on helping her community and others – that is just the type of person she is.
Due to that fact, I am creating this as a way to SUPPORT Jamie, Gordy, and their family, the way she supports her family, her community, all of the parents who have had the privilege of crossing her path – and of course, anyone else who asks a question she can say yes to.
*** If you would rather not donate here – Jamie has created a t-shirt that is available to purchase at this link https://www.bonfire.com/gordy-strong/
As a gift in exchange for the financial support. **
