This is the story of a child that was often forgotten and very easily could have “fallen through the cracks”  but for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children.

Jason, who is 13 years old, lived at the Ranch for about six months.  His mother is a drug addict – and while there was food in the house and he had some clothes, there was no positive adult to look after him. Because of parental neglect, he was forced to learn to parent himself – he made sure he went to school, prepared his own meals, set his own direction with an innate sense of right and wrong. And he is blessed with extreme intelligence. Child Protective Services stepped in and removed Jason and his sister due to his mother’s continuous drug use and neglect, and they were placed at St. Jude’s Ranch.

Jason has maintained the highest academic average of all the children on campus and is on the honor roll at school. He has never had a serious

behavior incident, follows the therapeutic program to the letter, is a joy to be around and despite his family situation, is a generally happy child.

Sadly, Jason’s mother is not doing as well. She continually tests positive for drugs and as a result the State does not allow her to visit her children  This results in many canceled visits – and terribly disappointed children.  Although upsetting, Jason marches on and is a testament to the courage and resiliency of a child.

Jason stayed at the Ranch for tem months and did very well.  He was then placed in a foster home and within a few months it became clear that the placement was not a good match for him.  Jason is now back at the Ranch – exhibiting the same courage and resiliency.  We are so proud of him and he knows that St. Jude’s Ranch will always be home for him.