Georgia Magazine - January 2022 - 22

Below: The foundation's international reach
includes rural Ecuador, where scholarship
recipient Reed Ely (front row, left) worked on a
weeklong medical mission. Right: In Damoh,
India, Abbie's Home off ers educational and
vocational training to help vulnerable women
transition to better lives.
Finding a way forward
Jimmy DeLoach walked through dark days
their best academically and athletically, to commit to helping
others and to their walk with Christ, " DeLoach said. " They aren't
just walking for themselves, but for Abbie. "
Plans to expand
DeLoach hopes to grow the scholarship program and to add
more countries to its global outreach efforts. The ADF also works
with state legislators to advocate for compensation, training and
benefits for Georgia nurses.
On a personal level, DeLoach says he is working on a yearlong
daily devotional penned by parents who've experienced
losses like his (see sidebar at right).
Meanwhile, the ADF continues to honor Abbie DeLoach's
legacy at GSU. The foundation is a key sponsor of the GSU True
Blue 5K Run and Abbie's Adventure Race, which are held during
homecoming weekend. The foundation donates $1,000 to the
charity that registers the most participants.
A commemorative garden near the GSU school of nursing bears the
names of Abbie and the four other students who perished in that accident:
Emily Clark, Morgan Bass, Catherine McKay Pittman and Caitlyn Baggett.
DeLoach believes that the work of the ADF will be just as long-lasting.
" One day one of these nurses [who were helped by the ADF] might be
the one to help you with your needs, " he says.
Ely's experience suggests that DeLoach is correct.
" It humbles you and gives you a new perspective on life, " Ely says. " It
was so affirming for me to know that this is what God has called me to do;
serving others quite literally is what the job is all about. "
Rosalyn Dunn is a freelance writer living in Atlanta.
For more information or to donate to the ADF, visit abbiedeloachfoundation.com.
22 Georgia Magazine January 2022
after the loss of his daughter. He felt the lessons
he learned while coping
with grief could help other
parents who found
themselves in the same
unimaginable pain.
Last year, DeLoach
founded a subsidiary of the
Abbie DeLoach Foundation,
ADF Resources LLC, in an
eff ort to support families
that have suff ered similar
losses. This year, the organization
plans to publish a
book titled " A Journey We
Share " as the fi rst step in
that mission.
" [The book] will
encourage parents and others grieving the loss
of a child with stories of hope from those of
us who are traveling the same road, " he says.
DeLoach envisions a book with 365 entries from
parents or guardians as well as daily meditations
that can help families fi nd their way
forward.
" My request of parents or family members
who, like me, have lost a child is to share a story
or memory about your child-along with
inspiring words, observations or experiences
that granted hope during the dark moments. "
For more information, visit
ajourneyweshare.com.
http://www.ajourneyweshare.com http://www.abbiedeloachfoundation.com
Georgia Magazine - January 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - January 2022
