Original post May 16, 2014.
Most recent updates continued below.
Update
Saturday, May 31, 2014
>> You Did It! <<
$51,245.21
Please see last entry below for more information.
And thank you!
Original Post- May 16, 2014- 4:15 PM- Dr. Jones just called. He asked if I had a "list" of people in the Lyme community, and if so would I let people know he will be closing his office on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. I was so very sad hearing this news. When I asked why he told me it is due to the inability to pay his rent, suppliers, etc.
As you may know, Dr. Jones has had several surgeries recently, one on his eye just yesterday. These necessary time outs have prevented him from keeping his regular office hours (which use to be 7 days a week, 10 or more hours per day).
He said, with a heavy heart, things are starting to smooth out, but he isn't going to be able to stay open due to these financial concerns unless something changes immediately.
As one of Dr. Jones biggest fans, I can't sit by and let him go out like this. I'm sure you will agree, Dr. Jones should retire when he is ready (and he isn't). He should not be forced out because he took some time off for his own health care needs, and not because the opposition has been costing him a fortune and dragging him through the mud for the horrible crime of helping our children get better. This just isn't right.
I asked Dr. Jones what I could do to help him. He said as of right now he is still $45,000 short and would need more donations to help him cover the office related expenses by next Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Some of our Lyme doctors have been generously supporting Dr. Jones throughout the legal battles, as have many others in the community, bless all their hearts! Dr. Jones strong will, dedication, his love for the children and the kindness of others is what has kept him going through the roughest of times, but, there is still a financial shortfall that needs to be addressed.
I am asking that everyone please take a look back at Dr. Jones decades of service to our children and our entire community, and send a donation to his office ASAP so a crisis like this can be avoided. Dr. Jones has the desire to keep going and although he is absolutely amazing in so many ways, he can't do it all- treat the sickest of children- handle the witch-hunts and legal battles- educate doctors and the public- raise funds- and take care of himself all at the same time. Who could?
Please, if you will, send a donation now thru Pay Pal, or to the address below so he can keep treating the children.
Dr. Charles Ray Jones
111 Park Street Ground Floor
New Haven, CT 06511
To keep the accounting/bills straight, please write the word "gift" in the memo field of your check. [When I told him what I was going to do he made sure to tell me about the "gift" notation. My guess is he has been chewed out by his lovely ladies in the office for making their work a lot harder when trying to sort the incoming mail.] ~smile ~
Thank you so much for sharing and for caring! I will send out updates as I learn more news, and hopefully, with your help, it will be GOOD news!
Lucy Barnes
Volunteer Lyme Educator
*The DrJonesKids website and all volunteers associated with it, or this effort to help him, are NOT part of a 501(C)3 organization. All donations for Dr. Jones, made through this site's PayPal account, a credit card, or by US postal mail, are sent to him directly and are considered charitable "gifts". Dr. Jones and his angles in the office thank you so much for the gifts they receive! The children who are helped by way of your donated gifts, well, that's priceless.
# # # # #
UPDATE- May 17, 2014
It's Midnight and The Race Is On!!!
From midnight Saturday, May 17, 2014, until midnight on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, we need to raise approximately $500.00 per hour to meet the $45,000.00 goal for Dr. Jones.
As crazy as that sounds, I think we can do it!
To donate right now, please click on this link: www.DrJonesKids.com Scroll down underneath the picture of Dr. Jones till you see the "Donate" button.
Just think- If 2,000 people donated $25.00 each, we would have $50,000.00 (minus Pay Pal fees/tax). If 3,000 people donated $15.00 each, we could do it!
If 4,000 people donated $12.00 each, we'd exceed our goal! So ALL amounts, big and small, do help immensely!
Now, let's keep Pay Pal and the postal service busy! Please keep "bugging" people on your contact lists and share this information with all you know!
No child should have to suffer, and Dr. Jones shouldn't have any worries to contend with at this point in time. Thank you so much for caring!!!
Lucy Barnes
# # # # #
UPDATE- May 17, 2014
Midnight At The Oasis!
DRUM ROLL!
The first report, as of Midnight on Saturday, thanks to you...
We rolled right over the $1,000 mark!!!
Total- $1,600
Many Thanks!!!
Info Here
# # # # #
UPDATE- MAY 19, 2014
Midnight in Paradise!
Our 2nd Report, and it is all, once again, thanks to you...
Total To Date- $5,312
Many Many Thanks!!!
May I Have This Dance?
Donate Here
XX
Info Here
Spoke to Dr. Jones today. He was at work, of course, recovering from eye surgery. He told me, and was very emphatic about it, and very humbled at the same time...
He wants to keep caring for and treating the children!
He was thrilled to hear the news about donations starting to come in, and it really lightened his spirit! He said to tell you all how much he appreciates your efforts and the fact that you care. He sends thanks to all for your well-wishes for his speedy recovery, and also thanks you very much for your kind donations! (I can't say exactly how many times he told me to tell you that, but it was repeated over and over throughout the conversation).
Answers to the Tough Questions- I told Dr. Jones today that trying to raise $45,000 in less than 5 days is killing me, with an additional rant, rant, rant tossed in there several times. ~smile~ I said we have to do something here, we need an extension- more time! So, Dr. Jones, can other financial arrangements be made?
After consulting with his office angles he said if he has $5,000 by Wednesday that amount will tide him over till Friday. If donations continue coming in (ASAP) they can be applied to the $45,000 in over due bills. He also mentioned they were re-organizing some things there to try to keep him going.
So we still need the $45,000, but now we have a little, very little, wiggle room.
The Good News- Once the $45,000 is raised Dr. Jones said it will clear up the overdue amounts that keep threatening to close him down. Once that is accomplished his feeling is he will be back to working more hours (no more medical surgeries scheduled), and should be ok financially moving forward without another last minute crisis to deal with as has been happening.
So, if you could please donate (ASAP) so the children who need him can schedule follow-up appointments and his office routine can get back to normal, it would be very helpful. Thanks so much!
Ok, a bit off topic... but, remember when? Some of you may remember when these "Love Notes" were written, collected, and sent to Dr. Jones. Seeing them today- well, they continue to be a "testimonial" to a great man and a beloved doctor. https://sites.google.com/site/drjoneskids/thanks-to-dr-jones
PS- People have contacted me with a variety of wonderful suggestions and questions, all which are very welcomed. However, if you don't receive a personal response it is because 1.) I don't have the answers yet 2.) due to the sheer numbers of emails coming in it is impossible to respond to everyone 3.) your topic will hopefully be addressed in a future update. Please know I am not trying to ignore anyone, just totally swamped right now. Thanks for understanding!
Another report will be issued soon!
Lucy Barnes
# # # # #
Update- May 20, 2014
Midnight Stars Are Shining All Over You!
You are walking along a wooded trail. When coming around the bend you see a child drowning in the middle of a small lake. Standing between you and the child is a large sign that says, “NO SWIMMING”. Do you obey that sign, or try to save the child?
Our 3rd Report, with special thanks to you...
Total to Date
>>> $12,868 <<<
Many Many Many Thanks!!!
Info Here
Update- Spoke to Dr. Jones and one of his office angels today. They couldn't be more relieved to know, because of YOUR kindness and efforts, they have a fighting chance to stay open a while longer.
Although I enjoyed our talks, you can't imagine the incredible stress this situation has on everyone there. (I certainly couldn't.) It breaks my heart to see them all struggling like this. The changes and cuts they've had to make- such as reducing the number of employees, and going without pay checks for example- has created additional hardships for all. BUT, their own personal plights, as bad as they are, can not be compared to the incredible concern they have for the children if and when the office closes down.
Your donations from the past few days- a wonderful $12,000 plus- will be sent to them tomorrow. This should cover the past due rent and some of their other immediate needs. I can only hope your generosity will continue until we reach our set goal of $45,000.
I think we can do it, because you are the one who would, no matter what the sign said, jump in the lake and save that child.
To address those who have contacted me- For several years many ideas and plans have and continue to be researched in an effort to improve the situation, but to date none have been able to solve the multiple complex financial problems (and keep Dr. Jones happy at the same time, a chore in itself). ~smile~
The best thing we can do now is to try and take a load off by helping them all financially so they can try to catch up, move forward and focus on what they do best.
One last important note- my calls today would have been 1/4 as long as they were IF the angels and Dr. Jones would have stopped repeatedly telling me to remember to say thank you to you all! They are so grateful, they really are! Many thanks!
Over $12,800 in 3 days- WOW!
Lucy Barnes
# # # # #
Our 4th Report, with special thanks to you!
Update- May 21, 2014- 10:00 AM
>> Transferring To Dr. Jones Today <<
$16,750.18
&
Update- May 21, 2014- Midnight
>> Total So Far, Thanks To You! <<
$19,309.09
Donated in Four Days!
Many Many Many Many Thanks!!!
If you keep this up, soon we will be 1/2 way there!
~ Big Smile ~
Donate Here
xx
Info Here
Update- It's only been 4 days and thanks to your donations and sharing this information, over $19,000 has been donated! I spoke to one of Dr. Jones office angels this morning and because of your kind and generous donations they will be able to pay some of the overdue bills (just in the nick of time) and keep the children coming in for a while longer. In fact, here is a quote for you...
"Thanks so much I can't say it enough."
I'd love to report tomorrow night that we've hit the $20,000 mark, or even better, that we are half way there with $22,500! Imagine that!
Thank you for all your kind words, caring, sharing and donations!
PS. Please take time this weekend to remember and honor the brave men and women of the military who gave all to make our lives better.
Lucy Barnes
# # # # #
Our 5th Report, with special thanks to you!
Update- May 23, 2014
>> Donations Transfered To Dr. Jones from Pay Pal <<
$16,750.18
>> Donations Sent to Dr. Jones by U.S. Postal Service <<
$6,500.00
>> Donations to Pay Pal Account <<
$3,395.26
>> Donations Sent To Indigo Account Before it Expired <<
$415.00
>> Fees- Donated <<
$25.00
>> Total So Far, Thanks To You! <<
$27,085.44
Donated in Six Days!
Joy! Joy! Joy!
Many Many Many Many Many Thanks!!!
Donate Here
xx
Info Here
Update- May 23, 2014
Thanks to you, over 1/2 of the total amount needed- $45,000- has been donated in less than six days!
Over $27,000 dollars!!
Say that again, over $27,0000 dollars!
This is outstanding!! Dr. Jones doesn't know this new total yet (you will know before he does), but he called last night and told me again to thank everyone for what has been donated. He and his lovely angels (who also called thanking everyone again this morning!) are so grateful for your help. You've allowed them to continue helping the children, and eased their mind knowing they could make it thru the week. What a relief and lifting of spirits you brought about with your kind donations! Yes!
News Flash- a news report said yesterday over 39 million people will leave home for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. That is good to know, because the donations dropped off as of last night. I will assume (and pray) they will pick up again early next week once everyone is back to business. Hoping you will join in the effort or continue with your efforts after this short break so we can present to Dr. Jones the grand total of $45,000 that is needed.
May you have a safe and blessed Memorial Day! And again, thank you so very much!!!
Lucy Barnes
# # # # #
Our 6th Report, with special thanks to you!
Update- May 28, 2014
>> Total So Far, Thanks To You! <<
$30,171.53
Many Many Many Many Many Thanks!!!
Donate Here
xx
Updates & Info about Dr. Jones Here
Update- Wednesday, May 28, 2014- See approximate breakdown of various donations below.
Thanks to your efforts 2/3 of the total amount needed has been donated!
Over $30,000 dollars!!
Memorial Day Contributors- Although donations dropped considerably over the extended weekend we did receive a few kind and generous donations that pushed us over the $30,000 mark, for which all are very grateful! Thank you so much from Dr. Jones and his angels, some who worked through the weekend with no break!
Interesting Breakdown- To date, 198 people from 5 countries (Australia, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Canada and the United States) have donated by Pay Pal. The 30 American states represented are (by number of donors- not total amounts):
Massachusetts- (tied for 1st place)
California- (tied for 1st place)
Virginia
Connecticut
Pennsylvania
North Carolina- (tied for 5th place)
New York- (tied for 5th place)
Maryland
Georgia
Tennessee
New Hampshire
Texas
Missouri
Florida
Ohio
Washington
Oregon
New Jersey
Louisiana
West Virginia
Kentucky
Maine
Utah
Minnesota
Michigan
Illinois
Vermont
Indiana
Colorado
Rhode Island
Washington D.C.
Thanks you to all!
If you know someone in the following states (listed below) who might help us reach our goal, please contact them! Please tell them Dr. Jones has treated children from all 50 states and many foreign countries. His good work and kindness hasn't been limited to serving one area, it's universal!
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho,
Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada,
New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina,
South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming
Let's see if all states can be represented in this effort! And again, thank you so very much!!!
Lucy Barnes
>> Donations Transfered To Dr. Jones from Pay Pal <<
$16,750.18
>> Donations Mailed to Dr. Jones by U.S. Postal Service <<
$7,450.00
>> Donations Currently in Pay Pal Account <<
$5,511.73
>> Donations Sent To Indigo Account Before it Expired <<
$415.00
>> Fees- Donated <<
$25.00
***
Please feel free to check the website directly, where all updates are posted. And again, thank you so very much!
Direct link to updates on the www.DrJonesKids.com website. https://sites.google.com/site/drjoneskids/overview-summary/update
# # # # #
Our 7th And Final Report!
With Very Special Thanks To You!
Update
Saturday, May 31, 2014
You Did It!
$51,245.21
Congratulations &
Thank You Very Much!!!
Update- Saturday, May 31, 2014- Thanks to your efforts and your kind donations, in just two weeks you've managed to reach the $45,0000 goal for Dr. Jones, and then some! This is absolutely amazing! More than amazing! It is super wonderful! Thank you so very much!!!
Grateful & Relieved- There is no doubt Dr. Jones is both relieved and very grateful to all who care about him and his special angels. And because of your efforts children will now have an opportunity to continue to be treated by the best Lyme pediatrician in the world, something every child deserves.
I personally thank all of you- parents, volunteer patient advocates, support group leaders, patients, concerned citizens, families, care givers and health care professionals- who have stepped up now and in the past to support Dr. Jones over the years. With this effort it is easy to see when we work together we can do it! Thank you so very much!!!
This short video was put together a while back as a tribute to those who have worked so hard to help so many. I'd like to share it with you again now because, well, because those who keep fighting this battle are so very special in so many ways. You truly are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFWTMgcBYSo
Lucy Barnes
>> Donations Transfered To Dr. Jones from Pay Pal <<
$16,750.18
>> Donations Mailed to Dr. Jones by U.S. Postal Service <<
$27,450.00
>> Donations Currently in Pay Pal Account <<
$6,605.03
>> Donations Sent To Indigo Account Before it Expired <<
$415.00
>> Fees- Donated <<
$25.00
***
Please Note- The Pay Pal account will be available for use until Tuesday, June 3, 2014. At that time the donations will be tallied and sent to Dr. Jones. You are certainly welcome to continue to donate at anytime by sending a check directly to the office. Info to do so can be found at the following link.
*The DrJonesKids website and all volunteers associated with it, or this effort to help him,
are NOT part of a 501(C)3 organization. All donations for Dr. Jones, made through this site's PayPal account, a credit card, or by US postal mail, are sent to him directly and are considered charitable "gifts". Dr. Jones and his angles in the office thank you so much for the gifts they receive! The children who are helped by way of your donated gifts, well, that's priceless.