Going through a challenge may get some people down, but for Jada Thomas that isn’t the case. Jada recently celebrated her seventh birthday after medical professionals said she wouldn’t.

“She is one of God’s special angels,” said Paula Thomas her mother.

Thomas, along with her husband Tom, would like to recognize and assist other families that have children with special needs. On Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. they will hold the 2nd Annual Jada’s Helping Hands Day Community Fundraiser. The event will take place at New Hope Baptist Church located on Hwy 74 in Hamlet.

“This event is a true testament of the caring nature of Paula Thomas. She never complains and always wants to help others,” said Marchell Adams-David, Hamlet City Manager.

There will be food, face painting and balloon art at the event.

“The fundraiser is in honor of Jada, the proceeds will go to families in need,” Thomas said. “We encourage as many people to come out as much as they can -- especially those with special needs children.”

Thomas began the Jada’s Helping Hands Project last year when it was placed on her to assist other families who were going through some of the same things that she and her family had experienced.

“Last year was just awesome,” committee member Myra Leak said.

Jada was born prematurely with several life threatening illnesses. Despite a dismal prognosis by the medical staff, Jada’s parents placed her in the hands of the Lord. Jada spent the first seven and a half months of her life in the neo-natal intensive care unit at Duke Medical Center.

“When Jada was in the hospital, there were so many children that were in a worse state than her,” Leak said. “And that’s when her mother thought of the idea.”

Since being discharged, Jada has been readmitted to Duke on a number of occasions.

“By the grace of God, she is alive and is a joy for all that meet her,” Thomas said.

“I am a firm believer that God puts special children with special parents and Jada is blessed and loved unconditionally,” David said.  

All of the proceeds will be given to families with special needs children at Duke Medical Center and the Ronald McDonald House.

Thomas says the last thing a parent would want to do is make a choice on whether they can pay a bill or buy gas to go see their child.

“A parent shouldn’t have to make that choice,” she said.

For more information on the project or to order a T-shirt please contact Thomas at (910) 995-0798 or (910) 582-8459. Thomas would need the orders for the shirt by Sept. 23.

Staff Writer Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com.