Statements

Mission

Delivering a gift of hope wrapped with joy to those adults (21-65) struggling with a terminal illness.

Background

On April 13, 1998 my dad, James Bess, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiform (a rare type of terminal brain cancer) and was given 6months to live at best. At that time my dad was only 38 years old and in the prime of his life; I can only imagine what went through his head when he was given the news! I mean a 38-year-old male having to fight the battle of lifetime and having to support a family at the same time must have overwhelming for him. Once the initial shock wore off, he decided to fight the disease with everything he had, and we as a family came together and helped him fight. For the next four years all of us sacrificed whatever we could not only to assist my dad in the things he needed, but also to help keep the family from going under. Needless to say, it was an extremely difficult test for all involved and it was only because of God's grace and mercy that we not only survived but also conquered the day to day battles. However, the battle ended for my dad on June 18, 2002 when he died.The most impacting thing about my dad's illness was his unwavering faith, even when times were at their worst, he remained strong. Looking back, the eternal legacy my dad left behind for my siblings and me is powerful, one I am extremely grateful for and one that I will never forget. His faith and sense of family was just the tip of the iceberg of that legacy; his love for others and his love of music, especially Country music, only adds to the significance. Amidst all the trials my dad faced, he lived a full and exciting life inspiring many people along the way. It is because of him and the life he led that the James Bess Foundation was started. I have been blessed with many things in my life, and the desire to love others is just one of those things. Looking around I see many adults struggling with a terminal illness who want nothing more than to experience life to the fullest while they are still living by having a bucket list dream fulfilled, but due to a lack of resources, those dreams often times go unfulfilled. For example, one of my dad's passions was listening and grooving to the sounds of the famous Garth Brooks, well I made it a mission to arrange a meet and greet with Mr. Brooks, but without the resources needed I was unable to make that happen; my dad later died without getting to experience that dream. The James Bess Foundation is a solution to this problem. I want nothing more than to see adults be able to experience life to the fullest, especially when life has thrown them a massive curveball. Everyone deserves to have their dreams fulfilled, especially those adults who are terminally ill, and that is the heart of this foundation.

Impact

The vision and goal of the James Bess Foundation is to encourage people to search within themselves and uncover dreams that have become lost due to life's difficulties and then grant such dream to the best of our ability. It is time for adults to dust away the cobwebs of life and start dreaming again!

Needs

Right Now the Needs Are:1. Exposure - getting the word out to the public about this amazing organization2. Clientele - Getting applications into the hands of those adults who are struggling with a terminal illness3. Funding - Monetary, and goods/services are needed to fulfill the dreams/wishes of clients

CEO Statement

One of my passions in life is to love on all those I come into contact with, especially those struggling with a terminal illness. Due to my own dad having terminal cancer, and dying because of it, I am able to relate to those who are struggling and know how important it is to experience hope and joy in amidst the pain.

Board Chair Statement

Fulfilling the final dream/wish a client has is very rewarding to say the least. It is my hope that we are able to continue blessing and loving on those who need it most.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines  - Support NEC
Secondary Category:	Human Services  - Alliances & Advocacy
Tertiary Category:	-

Areas Served

Because the main goal of the James Bess Foundation is granting dreams/wishes to terminally ill adults, I am able to do most of that via phone and email; which means I can service clients all across the country.

TN - Davidson

National