Giving Back to Our Smallest Fighters The Jackson Chance Foundation
This picture from last year was filled with laughter, competition, and heartfelt moments as we took to the ping-pong table to compete in a special tournament for the Jackson Chance Foundation. This event was not just a test of skill; it was an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for an incredibly important cause. The Jackson Chance Foundation was founded by devoted parents who, in their time of grief after losing their son Jackson Chance, recognized a significant need in the community. Understanding the financial pressures that families face during challenging times, they aimed to ease some of that burden by helping parents of NICU children cover parking costs associated with medical and support visits. It may seem like a small detail, but these costs can add up, adding stress to families already navigating complex emotional journeys.
As the summer season seems to only get hotter, we’re looking toward those fall and colder Chicago winds. During the colder months, I’m always looking for fun indoor activities, and ping pong is one I always love! Last year, I had the chance to test those skills when I joined my friends at the Jackson Chance Foundation and SPIN Chicago for the 11th Annual Ping Pong Ball. It was such a fun night filled with friendly competition, but more importantly, it was an opportunity to support a mission that means so much to so many NICU families.
I’m excited to be back for the 12th Annual Jackson Chance Foundation Ping Pong Ball on Friday, November 6, at SPIN Chicago!
To share more about the Jackson Chance Foundation, I also want to share Jackson’s story—a story I’ve had the honor of learning more about through the Foundation’s founders and Jackson’s parents, Terry and Carrie Meghie.
Jackson Chance was born 10 weeks premature and spent nearly his entire 10-month life in the NICU. Despite the challenges their family faced, Jackson brought immense joy and love into their lives. His parents, surrounded by family and supported by the resources available to them, made the hospital their second home, cherishing every moment they had with their son.
Jackson lived with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung condition that can affect premature infants. Terry and Carrie always believed Jackson would eventually come home. Sadly, Jackson passed away on September 7, 2012.
In his memory, the Meghies founded the Jackson Chance Foundation with the goal of helping other NICU families experience something they knew firsthand: the importance of being close to your child during an incredibly difficult time.
Today, the Foundation's NICU Transportation Program provides complimentary hospital parking for families with critically ill babies at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital and Rush University Children’s Hospital. By removing the financial burden of parking, the Foundation helps ensure parents can be at their child's bedside, offering love, comfort and advocacy when their baby needs them most.
The impact is incredible. A $300 donation can save a NICU family more than $1,000 in monthly parking costs. Each year, the Jackson Chance Foundation provides approximately 3,000 parking passes to families. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $9.1 million, provided 1 million days of parking and supported more than 30,500 families.
That mission is what makes the Ping Pong Ball so special. This year’s event will feature two table tennis tournaments, culinary bites, a live auction and plenty of memorable experiences. Chicago celebrities and media personalities will compete in the VIP tournament, while the signature March Madness-style tournament will welcome players of all skill levels. And for the first time, there will also be a kids bracket, giving young players the chance to join in on the fun!
After being part of the Ping Pong Ball last year, I’m especially excited to return and continue supporting this incredible organization. It’s touching to see Terry and Carrie continue Jackson’s legacy through this beautiful Foundation and the thousands of families it supports.
I’m honored to be part of this year's Ping Pong Ball and to play for Jackson, for his family, and for every NICU child and family who deserves the opportunity to be together during some of life's most challenging moments.
I hope you’ll join us on Friday, November 6, at SPIN Chicago for a night of fun, competition and, most importantly, making a difference for NICU families.
