HAMLET, NC – Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) attended Jada’s Helping Hands “Helping Others” Walk on Saturday to help kick off the 4th annual fundraiser.

The fund, inspired by 9-year-old Jada Thomas, is aimed at helping families of children in the ICU Ward at Duke Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. Jada was born prematurely and spent the first seven months of her life in Duke Hospital.

“Jada’s fund is incredibly inspirational,” said Kissell. “The compassion of this young girl and her family, raising money to help families just like theirs, gives us all hope.  These times have been tough and it is inspiring to see those in the community reaching out to help  others. There was a great turnout and this was a fun way to kick start the fundraiser, and I was honored to be there and meet Jada and her family."

Paula Thomas, Jada’s mother, thanked Kissell for coming out and explained the history of the fundraiser

“We were so glad to see Congressman Kissell at our walk on Saturday,” said Thomas. “This fundraiser is something we do yearly, but this was the first walk we’ve had and we were so excited to have him there. Jada was born prematurely and Duke Hospital was the only hospital that would take her, and she has spent a lot of time at the Ronald McDonald House, so we wanted to give back and help other families. The community has always rallied around us and supported our fundraiser and so we wanted to get the community involved with a walk, because without their support, we wouldn’t be able to help the families that we help.”

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Photo Attached: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) stands with Jada, her father Tom Thomas (left), her mother Paula Thomas (center) and Rev. Dr. Broome, Interim Pastor at New Hope Baptist Church (right) before the walk that benefits Jada’s Helping Hands “Helping Others” fundraiser. The fund helps families of children in the ICU Ward at Duke Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House.