Something contagious has hit Baptist Technology Services (BTS) and the result is a growing generosity infecting the hearts of many.
The latest case begins with a baby named Sully, the late son of Baptist team member Jason Farrar. Born in 2007, Sully was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at just a few months old. Treated at St. Jude, Sully died in August 2008. By 2009, Jason and his family decided to memorialize Sully by collecting toys and delivering them to St. Jude on Sully’s birthday, May 1.
“We collect toys all year round and have become coupon wizards,” said Jason, whose household budget heads into the red for a couple of months each year. The Farrars endeavored largely on their own, gratefully accepting discounts or donations from larger retailers, and support and donations from close family, friends and others who knew Sully. Until this year.
Through word of mouth in the Information Technology (IT) department, Dabney Coors heard about Jason’s giving and approached him personally. “I was so moved by what he was doing,” she said. On April 11, Dabney approached the BTS giving committee about helping Jason. “On April 21, we announced a mad dash for all teams under Beverly Jordan, asking for any toy donations,” said Dabney. The result was overwhelming. So many toys were donated Jason had to take three separate pictures to create a panorama. “You still can’t see all the toys in the room,” said Jason.
Joined by his wife, Tabitha, and his two children ages 14 and 7, Jason loads up all the toys and delivers them to St. Jude. “People are awesome,” said Jason.
Looking back, Jason says the family basically lived at St. Jude for the year. Ironically, they became pregnant with son Max two weeks before Sully died. “For those two weeks, we were
all a family.”
Jason says even in his infancy, Sully left him an unexpected gift. “No matter what he was doing or how happy he was with his present company, when he noticed that I had arrived, he was suddenly unsatisfied until I was the one with him. That daily display of unconditional affection was such a gift to me.”
Jason also remembers the generosity Baptist showed his family. “Baptist was so amazing and cooperative, giving me the ability to work during that time.”
Today, any Baptist team member can participate in BTS’ monthly giving campaigns. For more information, contact Dabney Coors at 901-227-8282.
