Jerseys of Hope supports cancer patients, families and others

CATAWBA - In the last seven years, Jerseys of Hope has brightened the lives of more than 2,000 people. On Sept. 16, founders John and Monique Biemer hosted the second annual Jerseys of Hope fundraiser at the Catawba Inn, which featured a Saucy Brew Works tap takeover.

Jerseys of Hope donates new and gently used athletic jerseys to hospital patients around the world to nurture hope and connection.

“This started seven years ago in honor of my mom, who passed away from cancer,” John told the packed crowd at The Catawba Inn.

When John, a Catawba native, visited his mother in the hospital on a Sunday prior to her death, he found most of the floor’s patients gathered around a television watching a football game. Normally, the floor was quiet and subdued, filled with patients battling sadness and isolation in addition to cancer.

John Biemer saw that sports created a team for those with cancer

“I thought, ‘Look at all these people with cancer rallying together. They’re part of a team,” John said.

John’s mom died three days later. As he sat in church that week, the priest spoke about hope, and the idea for Jerseys of Hope was born. John decided to find a way to donate jerseys to hospital patients to help them feel connected when cancer threatened to keep them isolated. When he formed Jerseys of Hope, people poured help into the project.

“It came full circle,” John said. “People were coming out of the woodwork to help.”

Through the fundraiser, supporters continued to help as they donated auction items, bid on auction items, and purchased raffle tickets.

“This is what it’s about — the community rallying together,” John said. “I see the direct impact of this when we deliver jerseys and see patients in tears.”

Jerseys of Hope recently supported a Catawba family

Rob Garcia, who emceed the event, said the organization most recently gave jerseys to the family of Hazel Brown, a 3-year-old from Catawba who is battling brain cancer.

“We were honored to donate the jerseys to her and her parents, as well. Sometimes it’s not just the patients who need encouraging,” Garcia said.

Jerseys of Hope serves 16 states, four countries

Jerseys of Hope serves 16 states in the U.S. as well as Canada, Mexico and Ghana.

The organization recently expanded to Ronald McDonald Houses in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Lexington, Seattle, Portland and Kansas City. Jerseys of Hope's impact at an orphanage in Ghana was due to support from a friend.

“A buddy of mine has family in Ghana, and he took jerseys when he visited. Somebody who got a jersey contacted us and asked if we would send jerseys to an orphanage there,” John said.

The Biemers have sent several shipments.

“They’ll send us pictures. They are so cute. They get the biggest smiles on their faces,” Monica said. “We send them big boxes. We’ll send 80 jerseys at a time.”

Every jersey donated to Jerseys of Hope finds a home, whether it comes from a national team or a small local school. That means that every donation finds its way into the hands of someone who needs hope.

“The thing to remember is that everyone can relate to being in the hospital. Everyone can relate to that sadness, to that isolation,” said Leslie Burke, who attended the fundraiser. “Bringing in sports —that’s a huge community. That’s the beauty of jerseys. It can relate to every age.”

Burke was surprised by the strong support shown by the Catawba community for Jerseys of Hope.

“This is where John grew up, and the community outreach is amazing. It’s a warm community. Everyone is so supportive,” Burke said.

For more information or to donate to Jerseys of Hope, visit jerseysofhope.com.

Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at  sheritrusty4@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Jerseys of Hope volunteers have fundraiser at Catawba Inn