The people of Aurora proved that when a town comes together, anything is possible.
A Community's Child
Posted March 25, 2010
When Jansen was born with serious medical issues, the town of Aurora immediately showed its true character.
IN THE SMALL TOWN of Aurora, Missouri (pop. 7,337), word spreads quickly when a neighbor is in need. So when Debbie and Jesse Weathermon’s fourth son, Jansen, was born with serious medical complications, the community came together right away to shower the family with support.
Jansen was born in October of 2006, and within a few months, an MRI revealed severe brain damage. Debbie says they’ll never know for sure what caused the damage—his doctors suspect he had a stroke while still in the womb—but the prognosis was not good. His first neurologist predicted that if he survived at all, the chances of him ever walking or even speaking were slim.
Initially overcome by her grief, Debbie says she shut down, refusing to speak to anyone and hardly getting out of bed—until her pastor, Robert Mattingly, rapidly intervened. “Pastor Robert called me one day,” Debbie remembers. “And he said, ‘God gave Jansen to you for a reason, and He has a plan for him.’ He completely transformed my thinking.”
The congregation of the church, Church on the Rock, stepped forward as well. A few members decided to throw a benefit chili dinner and auction to help the Weathermons pay for Jansen’s costly medical care. “They put an ad in the paper that said, ‘Jansen is a community baby, and the community needs to take care of him,’” Debbie says. The response was tremendous: huge crowds showed up for the event, which raised $16,000 for the family. In addition, a local bluegrass musician later threw a benefit concert generating even more money.
Lynda Painter, who runs the development center for children with disabilities that Jansen attends, says this story reveals the defining spirit of Aurora. “We constantly have benefits and different things to help when someone has health issues. People step right up to the plate,” she says.
Pastor Mattingly echoes that sentiment. Speaking of the Weathermons, he says, “We really do rally around them and rally around Jansen,” he says. “We rejoice with them when things are good, and we cry with them when things are not going well.”
At three, Jansen has remarkably exceeded expectations by learning to speak, walking with the assistance of a walker, and delighting in cheering on his brothers at their baseball games. And his smile and laugh have endeared him to just about everyone who meets him.
Still, struggles remain. Debbie regularly makes grueling four-hour trips to St. Louis for Jansen to receive specialized treatment. When they want to by something as simple as a bicycle adapted to meet Jansen’s needs, the price tag runs into the thousands. Debbie concedes there are still days she feels overwhelmed.
But the town of Aurora has never stopped pitching in. Debbie notes that an employee at a local restaurant cultivated a special relationship with Jansen and gives him a dollar bill every time they visit.
There’s much more. One of Debbie’s friends regularly sends her inspirational Bible verses via text messages. Another comes by to clean her house, do the laundry, and bring groceries. Others volunteer to take the Weathermons’ older three boys for recreational outings. “It’s nonstop,” Debbie says. “Jansen really is ‘the town’s baby.’ People in Aurora really believe in taking care of each other.”
The Weathermons have been humbled by the support they’ve received from the town of Aurora. However, the people of Aurora in turn have been inspired by the family’s loving determination to care for and be a tireless advocate for Jansen to help him beat the odds.
Reflects Pastor Mattingly, “Debbie and Jesse are two of the strongest people I’ve ever met. They’ve never wanted anyone’s pity, and they treat Jansen just like he’s any other kid. To me, that shows a lot of character.”
That character is reflective of Aurora: a place that proves that when people join together to help one of their own, anything is possible.
DEBBIE WEATHERMON is a Regions Branch Manager in Aurora, Missouri.
comments (28)
I want to commend the Weathermon family and the town of Aurora for spirit and strength. It is a pleasure to read where a community has pitched in to fill a need for a neighbor and friend. It is very easy to say "I'll be there for you" and then go on your way. This town has brought new meaning to "neighbor" and is a reminder of how it was in times past. Years ago, people from communities got together to help each other; today, it seems to be a rare event. Again, BRAVO!!! to the Weatherton family and Aurora for their spirit of friendship.
Judy BatesWhat a beautiful child and inspiring story. It gave me chill bumps. It is great to hear stories like this, where people come together to help. Thank you for sharing your story with us!
Debbie GreenVery inspiring story. Jansen is a beautiful little boy. I pray God will give you strength daily when you think it's impossible to face the day...Thanks for sharing this beautiful story. Blessings
Fran NolinThat baby is adorable!
MollyI am a teller at the Gentilly Branch in New Orleans, Louisiana. I had four children and all of them were born with disabilities with one passing away at fourteen months old. I am a single parent. I needed answers of "why me?" I took it upon myself and went to a genetics specialist. I finally got answers after 10 years. It's hard, but what I learned over the years is that God has his reasons. He will not throw more at you what you can handle. All children are a blessing and are little angels. They are here for a reason. We have to, as parents, realize that we have to keep strong. They need us. I think it's a beautiful thing, and it takes us to another level. It helps us become a stronger person. In the end, you tell yourself "I am a wonderful parent" because you stayed strong for your child. You will do anything and everything to keep them alive. Your spirit will continue to grow with that beautiful child that you have. You will be able to communicate with your child by keeping your strong powerful spirit. Times will get hard, but in the end, it is all worthwhile. Remember one thing, that all children are angels. They have a mission here on earth and that's to make people stronger and to bring people together.
cecilia nevarezWhat a great story, very inspirational. This is to remind us "that God is always in control."
Ana DeasoniT IS WONDERFUL TO SEE SO MUCH KINDNESS AND CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO MS. WEATHERMON AND FAMILY IN THEIR TIME OF NEED. GOD BLESS THE WEATHERMONS AND THOSE WHO ARE SHOWING KINDNESS TOWARDS THEM.
aliciaThat's a great story. I'm so glad that a whole community can step up to the plate and help this amazing family. Not just with a fundraiser, but they seem to really go the extra mile. May God Bless all of you.
RebeccaHe is just soooo cute. With such love and support, anything is possible.
Della MenendezI believe in Miracles because they do happen....Bless his heart.
Michelle JThanks for sharing your story. Jansen is handsome 3 year old - God has got big plans for him!!
MelissaThis story brought tears to my eyes. It is great to know that there are still good people in this world. The poeple of Aurora know the meaning of "it takes a village to raise a child." God Bless You!
Tera Thompson McComb, MSWhile working in the collections department I don't always to get to hear good news or speak with customers that are exactly happy to hear from me. Stories like these make my day a little brighter and get me through the tough times. It is a huge comfort to know that there is a whole community able to put aside their differences and rally behind a family that truly needs and appreciates the support.
anthoneyThis is truly a great story the love and support people have for each other and Jansen is a blessing to the family. God Bless you.
Vernett ManuelIt is so encouraging to hear a story like this. When the media seems only to dwell on the bad out in the world and much too often forget to notice the good; this can make you feel as if there is no hope for this world. The stories like this one is what we need to hear more of. Hats off to the people of Aurora for their good heartedness.
Terri Leigh EastAs so many other have said, God has a purpose for all the experiences, good and bad, that Debbie and her family are going through. He has a purpose for Jansen's life. These are the times when we have to lean on God...Those times are usually not the best in our opinions, but there is a perfect purpose. Thank you for sharing this story of love.
Jeanie LivelyThis is an amazing story about not only a beautiful child, but wonderful town. I wish everyone could read this story and give back a little more. One small act of kindness can bless someone that may be at the end of thier rope. I wish nothing but health and happiness to Jansen and his family. God Bless this community and all that they do.
AmandaYou are a special family to receive the blessing of children. And what a blessing you are to those around you. While so many have extended their love to you - many have been blessed and inspired by your family. Keep the faith. Look to our God for continued strength. Thank you for sharing your story. It truly touched my heart. God bless you.
EllenThis heart warming story brought tears of joy to my eyes. God will forever keep his angels encamped around the Weathermon family and the town of Aurora because of their unfailing support.
Diane BennettI'm a Teller in the Wilkes Branch Washington, GA. To the Weathermon family my heart goes out to you, I will keep you and Jansen in my prayers. Grass wither, the flowers fades, but the word of our God stands forever press on and God will see you through. Only Jesus can give wholeness to broken life. Jesus loves you and so do I.
RACHEL JACKSONI thank God for the people of Aurora and their combined commitment to taking unparalleled steps to "be there" for each other. I pray this story rallies limitless others to follow suit.
Sharon JohnsonWhat a beautiful and inspiring story! It truly is heart warming!
ElayneWhat a Great story!! May God Bless you all.
BrandyGreat Story!
LuisMay God bless your family, Jansen, and the city of Aurora. Thanks for sharing!
JohnThe quote "God gave Jansen to you for a reason, and He has a plan for him." is what caught my attention. My son was born three months ago with Spina Bifida & we had no clue until his birth. I was told that same quote over and over & just didn't want to accept it at first. Now I know that it just took me a little longer to understand God's plan. Those words are the greatest words I've ever heard. He is a beautiful child & I know that GOD does have a plan for his special Angel he gave you. We are never given more than we can handle, even though we have day's where we don't think we can take anymore. I believe that the little things in life are a lot sweeter & the things that use to bug you just aren't as important any more. You have a amazing story & a great town to rally behind your family. Ya'll are in our thought's and prayers. . Because God does only give "special" babies to special parents!
Brittnie HamelWhat an amazing story. God bless this family and this town for the great job they are doing. Jansen is so adorable and it looks like he has brought a lot of joy to many people!
Brittany BurksWHAT A WONDERFUL AND INSPIRING STORY. WHEN PRAYERS GO UP, BLESSINGS COME DOWN. I'LL CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT YOUR FAMILY'S STRENGTH GROWS STRONGER EACH DAY. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
GLENDA MALONE