History

Jack's Helping Hand was founded by Paul and Bridget Ready in memory of their son Jack, whose three-year struggle with a rare form of brain cancer ended in November 2004.

Jack's limpid eyes and angelic smile melted the hearts of all those he encountered. He loved music, especially the works of John Lennon, and the antics of Sponge Bob Square Pants. Jack fiercely battled for life, yet played and laughed joyfully even in the midst of repeated brain surgeries and intense physical rehabilitation.

Like all children, Jack played games, interacted with others, learned how to communicate, eat and behave. But Jack needed special assistance to do those things. Through Jack, the Readys discovered the unique needs of disabled children, and learned how to facilitate his physical, emotional and mental growth and development.

During the course of Jack’s treatments, the Readys realized that many families with disabled children needed assistance to meet their children’s special needs. Jack’s Helping Hand was created to serve the unmet need within the San Luis Obispo community for an organization to assist special children with unmet physical, mental and medical needs.