Our Mission
Our Foundation has created to take up the banner of positivity in Jon's absence and find ways to do good. Our efforts are centered around raising awareness for families that have been impacted by tragedy and making sure that they are able to go on in the wake of a devastating loss. We find ways to provide assistance, forge partnerships, and help these families to cope with moving forward.
We want to make the most of our days in the model of Jon. We will do this by fundraising and seeking to support families that are impacted by medical strife; families that have lost people and are living in the wake of that loss, families that can use a hand up to be able to move on. If you have a candidate family for consideration for help, please contact us!
Jon's Story
Jon and Holly Herath have beaten the odds over and over. At 25 years old, just over a year after marrying his college sweetheart Holly, Jon was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Hard times were upon them. With grit, determination, ongoing love, and the support of fantastic medical staff, Jon survived his cancer and came out with a renewed passion for life, dedication to faith and family, and making the most of his time here. Despite ongoing renal issues, Jon finished his degree, went on to achieve a masters in educational administration, and built a life with Holly. They were lucky to be blessed with 2 children, Theodore and Ivy.
Jon and Holly lived lives of service. As passionate educators and musicians, they taught not only the love of music, but the idea that music can be a pathway to learn responsibility and scholarship. Jon found a home at District 300 in Lakewood School. He was a huge component of the school family there, forging strong relationships with his students over the years. Holly is a dedicated active member of the Air Force National Guard, serving her community and her country faithfully. Jon and Holly both have worked to personally raise thousands of dollars for cancer research over the years since Jon's illness. Additionally, Jon's impact on SD300 was profound, procuring tens of thousands of dollars in grant money for the district and sponsoring many after school programs for the kids.
Jon loved music, especially country and classical, and playing percussion. He was a die-hard Chicago sports fan, a lifelong lover of the Fighting Illini, and a Bears season ticket holder. Many of his students described him as like a second father. But his greatest love was his family: Holly, Theodore, and Ivy. Anyone who met Jon and Holly knew that they were a perfect match with a special relationship. Jon doted on the kids and saw them as gifts from God. They led busy but very fulfilling lives, and they found strength in each other.
On February 15th, 2014, Jon went to the doctor because he had been suffering from increasing exhaustion. The doctors identified a heart valve infection and immediately admitted him to the hospital. Three weeks later, after multiple surgeries, strokes, aneurysms, and complications, Jon was taken from Holly, Theodore, and Ivy on March 8th, and delivered to heaven to watch over them forever.