Our “Why”, Part 2

On March 5, community came together to celebrate three years of Jane's Fund, and it was a true miracle to experience the power of strangers laughing and crying together in one space, all there in some unique way to make lives better for kids in our community and celebrate the life of little Jane Harrell, who died of brain cancer at age 17.
In that room it became clear that Jane’s Fund is more than an organization. It is a community of people who believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive.

Bronica Glover of the Greater Enrichment Program shared how meaningful Jane’s Fund’s support has been for the children and families they serve.

“Jane’s Fund cares about kids. They care about community. They care about all things that are for the greater good… It is because of organizations like Jane’s Fund that the world is a better place. We cannot do this work serving the children of Charlotte without them.”

Jane's Fund board member, Pete Lash, shared “Jane’s Fund is built on love, it’s built on generosity, it’s built on really caring and serving people who don’t have other options to be served. It’s making a huge difference in a lot of people’s lives for all the right reasons.”

And Shelly Landau reminded us of something simple but profound.

“All these other families need to know that somebody cares, somebody’s out there looking after them."

During the event, the Jane’s Fund team shared that more than $5 million has already been invested directly into our community. Jane’s Fund founders, Jane and Mike Harrell also reminded everyone that they cover 100% of the organization’s operational and administrative costs, meaning every dollar donated goes directly to helping kids.

We also heard powerful reminders of why this work matters so deeply.

Alex’s parents shared that their son is living with a brain tumor that currently has no cure. Coach Wilson challenged everyone in the room to find their PURPOSE, reflecting on how before reaching out to Jane’s Fund, he didn’t have a functional football locker room, practice clothes, safe helmets, or even basic necessities like food and sports physicals for his players. 

Moments like these remind us of why this work must continue. There are still children who need opportunity, families navigating unimaginable challenges, and communities searching for hope.

Thank you for being the kind of community that shows up, cares deeply, and reminds us why we do this work — and makes it possible for us to keep saying yes.

Because the miracle is not just Jane’s legacy. The miracle is this community that continues to carry it forward.