Jordan Thomas has been a member of Unity of Chattanooga in Tennessee since birth. His parents are the church's founding members. Growing up in Unity fostered a consciousness of inner strength, will and perseverance in Thomas. That strength was called upon in August 2005 when Thomas was 16 years old.
While scuba diving, a boat propeller struck Thomas' legs necessitating the amputation of both legs from the calf down. Years later, Thomas has transformed this personal tragedy into a story of triumph. His foundation—The Jordan Thomas Foundation—serves children who have lost limbs by providing financial support for prosthetics.
An Early Foundation in Unity
According to Rev. Doug Werth, minister at Unity of Chattanooga, being raised in a “Unity family” was key to Thomas' inner knowing that he would not only survive, but go on to thrive and help others.
“Even as the initial tragedy was unfolding, when he was in a great deal of pain and it really was a life and death situation, he knew that he was going to be okay,” Werth says. “You don't get that kind of faith without strong family support and without living these [Unity] principles. His faith, his upbringing and certainly his parents, have made all the difference in the world.”
“When I was in the hospital,” says Thomas, “I realized how fortunate I was to have support from family and friends. [Because my parents were physicians] I knew I would never have to worry about access to the prosthetics I needed. This gave me the ability to look outside of myself. I learned how harsh a reality [not having prosthetics] could be for other people. I knew I had to do what I could to help others.”
Service to others is a value instilled in Thomas by his parents. “My parents brought home the message of giving to others,” he says. “I knew my clothes had to be in good shape because they would be given to Goodwill. We always worked in soup kitchens. Growing up I knew how important that was.”
Serving Young Amputees
One year after the accident, Thomas founded the Jordan Thomas Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides children with prosthetics and addresses their future prosthetic needs through age 18.
“Kids need new arms and legs every 18 months,” Thomas explains. “They outgrow them just like they do shoes. We estimate each child will need $70,000 to $120,000 for prosthetics through age 18.” The foundation also places great emphasis on mentoring and supporting the entire family. “We provide support and answer questions they have.” he says. “I am very happy to have the greatest support, board members, volunteers and donors that make it happen.”
To date, four children have benefited from more than $500,000 raised. “I started at day one to see how I could help one person, then it expanded from there,” Thomas recalls. “I wanted to raise half a million dollars; I never thought we would achieve that in less than five years.” Fundraising efforts have included the sale of inspirational bracelets imprinted with “Press On JT,” annual golf tournaments and cookouts, and private donations.
“All the resources necessary have come to help do this great work, which is what we teach [in Unity],” Werth says. “How many children in this country have been in this same situation? Literally thousands. And it was Jordan who said ‘I can help. I can make a difference.'”
A Hero to Many
Now at age 21, Thomas continues to make a difference in the world. He recently traveled to Washington, D.C., lobbying Congress for better prosthetic coverage in the new health-care reform system. He was also honored in September 2009 by CNN Broadcasting as a “Top Ten Hero” which celebrates “everyday people” whose extraordinary accomplishments make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Thomas downplays being a hero. “I think the accident revealed a lot—an inner strength and determination,” he says. “There's really nothing that startles me too much, or instills a lot of fear, because I have overcome things that pale in comparison to what happened before. I draw on that past experience to face issues that arise today.”
Thomas sees himself as an ordinary kid. “I tried to turn something negative into something positive,” he notes. “My true colors were exposed when I was faced with adversity, but I knew that if I worked hard I could get back to the same [physical ability] level as before my accident, and I have. People don't have to face true adversity for strength to come out. You just have to trust and believe that you can really accomplish whatever you want.”
Learn more about the Jordan Thomas Foundation.
Read more about Unity of Chattanooga.
Watch a video about the Jordan Thomas Foundation.
