By Karen Cohilas - bio | email
October 8, 2008
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - 15-year old Javon Ottley, a young man we introduced to you about two weeks ago, died of brain cancer, at home just before 11:00 Tuesday night.
Many of you were heartsick when we told you the family's story, and wanted to reach out and help them make financial commitments. One fundraiser is taking place right now.
The money raised will help pay bills, possibly including funeral arrangements for Javon.
Eva Johnson doesn't much care for Pizza, but she does have a caring heart.
She was watching WALB a couple of weeks ago when we introduced South Georgia to the Jones family.
"They showed the children's pictures and I really felt very sad about it and I know if there's anyway to help her out, I was willing to do this."
That's why for lunch today, she came to Papa Johns.
"We thought this was a perfect time to help a family in need. That's why we did it," said store manager Terry Reasner.
The store is donating 20% of today's sales to Tanya Jones' family. Tanya had difficulty paying bills, including rent, because she quit her job to take care of her 4-year-old son Jacarien who has a rare genetic disorder called Pfeiffer Syndrome and her 15-year-old son Javon, who died last night of brain cancer.
"I have two kids of my own, so I definitely feel for her," said Reasner.
Johnson said, "I know they have big medical bills and she has had problems making ends meet, so I hope this money goes for what it's really needed for."
For a family in need, that's now also in mourning.
The fundraiser is only going on today. You can help out by ordering from Papa John's and telling them you are calling on behalf of the Jones family.
There is also an account set up at Bank of America for the family.
It's under Jones Family Donations.
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Javon Ottley
Tanya Jones
Jacarien Jones
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