Friends and Family Honor Jason McDonald By Giving Back in His Memory

VOC Family Network members support critical vision research while honoring the memory of a dear friend.

“We have made a donation to The Vision of Children Foundation in the memory of our lifelong friend and teammate Jason McDonald, who passed away on July 14, 2020 at the age of 39.

Jason was a competitive hockey player and in 1997 at the age of 16 suffered a tragic accident on the ice which resulted in being a quadriplegic for his remaining time with us. Members of our families, rural and hockey communities fundraised extensively to assist and accommodate Jason’s future needs, one of which was a specially equipped vehicle in which he could travel independently.

Jason became close friends with a man named Mike Nemesvary who had suffered a similar accident competitively skiing - shortly after being featured in the opening sequence of a James Bond film. In 2001 Mike embarked on a journey to become the first quadriplegic to drive across the world unassisted. Mike’s journey raised $1.5M for spinal cord research and his incredible personal story is here: https://www.mountainlifemedia.ca/2016/10/mountain-lifer-3/

Mike and Jason had similar goals of regaining their independence while making the world a better place. Jason’s vehicle allowed him to regain some of this independence and he completed a university degree in business attending in person classes. In the early 2000’s Jason participated in a clinical trial at the Shriners hospital in Philadelphia where he received electrical implantations to assist in regaining some mobility and dexterity with his hands, which contributed to future medical research and breakthroughs.

Jason always believed that medical advancements would allow him to improve his quality of life and he understood the power of giving far beyond what any of us will ever understand. At the end of his life, Jason donated his vehicle to Mike and his organs to strangers - which were used to save 3 lives.

We’re proud to make a financial donation The Vision of Children Foundation in Jason’s name and we know he’s looking over us to match it with a donation of his spirit, determination and magic.”

~~ Jason Fee, Jeff Scott, Ben Weld and Adam Zlepnig

If you would like to make a special gift in honor or memory of a loved one, please click the button below or contact Kellye Buchanan at kellye@visionofchildren.org or (858) 314-7915.