Meet Our Inspiration

Jedediah Thomas Smith was born on September 29, 1997. He lived and grew up in Red Lion, Pennsylvania with his mom Kristin, step-dad Dan, older sister Savannah and many loving extended family members.  Jed loved playing video games, hanging out with his best friend DJ and was an avid fan of all things Penn State (especially football).

Jed was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia through a blood test at age four after compaining of bone and joint pain. He received his treatment at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Through his eight long years of treatment (which included spinal taps, bone marrow aspirations, chemotherapy, blood transfusions and thousands of pills over the years) Jed was almost always smiling and very rarely complained. He always assured his family that "everything would be okay."

THON was also a huge part of Jed's life. To learn more about the Penn State Dance Marathon, the world's largest student-run philanthropy, please visit www.THON.org.




During the winter of 2009 Jed made snow globes for all of his family members, doctors, nurses and friends from his bed in his hospital room. That was just another example of Jed's caring nature.

After spending both Thanksgiving and Christmas in the hospital a bone marrow aspiration in late December showed his cancer had returned again. Family and friends came to visit from near and far.
A few days later he lost his battle with cancer on January 3, 2010.

The Jedediah Thomas Smith Foundation was started in his honor by his family members who miss him every moment. The Foundation works to honor Jed's memory and support other families dealing with this disease until we can find a cure.



Here's a little bit about Jed:


School: Mazie Gable Elementary
Favorite Subject: Math 
Favorite Colors: Red and Blue
What I want to be when I grow up: A Chef & Restaurant Owner
Favorite Vacation Spot: St. John U.S.V.I.
Favorite Restaurant: Chili's
Favorite TV Shows: Family Guy, the Simpson's
I like to wear: Crocs and Converse
Favorite Food: Domino's Pizza
My Pet is a: Dog named Bandit
I like to collect: Snow Globes