The impact of a cancer diagnosis on a family can be overwhelming, particularly when it affects a child. The emotional toll experienced during and after the battle, and especially in the event of a loss, is indescribable. The grief of parents who have lost their child to cancer may never fully dissipate. However, many parents worldwide have found solace in preserving their child’s memory by assisting others in coping with similar challenges, transforming into genuine heroes – just like James E. Kleinrichert.
In 1982, James and Maryann Kleinrichert tragically lost their son James Jr. to leukemia. Denise, Danielle, and Robert Kleinrichert lost their beloved brother. James Jr. was a mere 15 years old when he departed from this world, after a valiant nine-year battle that began when he was just 7. This arduous struggle, during which James defied expectations after being given only a few years to live, deeply affected everyone he touched. Helpless . . . family, friends, and the wider community watched as James Jr. underwent countless chemotherapy treatments, endured multiple hair losses, and fought relentlessly against an uncontrollable disease. The profound grief shared by all extended to the community, as James’s life intertwined with his family’s restaurant business and frequented establishments, such as the Ark restaurants, Klein-Richards Gristmill restaurant, Tiffany’s disco, and various schools.
James Jr. possessed wit and mischievousness, often engaging in playful pranks with his brother, cousins, and unsuspecting family members, friends, and customers. These antics usually elicited laughter rather than scolding, brightening their homes, workplaces, and gatherings.
James and Maryann Kleinrichert devoted considerable time to appointments, treatments, liaising with doctors, dealing with insurance issues, and raising their four children. Throughout their arduous journey, James, Maryann, and James Jr. discovered solace, love, and care at the Miami Jackson Deed Club Children’s Cancer Center.
This beacon of light amid James and Maryann’s darkest days sowed a seed, nurtured by the tears shed by their family and friends during James Jr.’s final days and passing. Those tears continued to water the seed, spreading throughout South Florida, Michigan, and Indiana. In honor of their beloved son, James and Maryann decided to channel their grief into helping others. Motivated by the same kindness, compassion, and dedication shown to their son, they established the James Jr. Fund.
In 1983, the James Jr. Fund was created with a mission to support children with cancer and special needs. Since its inception, the fund has raised nearly 7 million dollars as of 2015. Due to its all-volunteer nature, the organization has been able to allocate 98% of all funds raised. With the unwavering support of numerous volunteers, benefactors, donors, and annual events, the James Jr. Fund has provided substantial assistance to organizations such as Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (1.5 million dollars), the Miami Jackson Deed Club Children’s Cancer Center (400,000 dollars), and various other hospitals. Through its grassroots efforts, the fund has directly funded thousands of children with cancer and special needs.
The James Jr. Fund relies on your ongoing love and support to continue aiding families and children who need it most. Together, we can make a lasting impact in their lives.
