Sep 29th, 2014
At the West Tennessee Healthcare Gala this year, the Dr. A. Barnett Scott Service Award will be presented to Martha Jo Scott. This award will honor her efforts over the past decade with the Chyanne Scott Fund. Mrs. Scott currently works in the Academic Assistance Center at Jackson State Community College.
In 2003, three-year-old Chyanne Scott passed away from this life after a long and challenging struggle with muscular dystrophy and a neuroblastoma. It was at this time that the family made a decision to honor the life and memory of Chyanne by helping other families who are facing similar challenges and difficulties. This is when Chyannes grandmother, Martha Scott, set up a fund through the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation.
According to Martha, the purpose of the fund is actually twofold. Assistance is provided to families help them during the treatment of their child and also to help them with funeral and burial expenses, she explains. Continuing, The medical support staff during these times of trial is so crucial to helping families cope. For this reason, the fund also provides assistance to those entering the medical field.
Since its inception, the Chyanne Scott Fund has given over $23,000 in scholarships to students entering into the medical field. Sadly, they have assisted families in laying eight children to rest. They have also helped countless other families in their times of need by assisting with bills and helping provide the necessities while the family is traveling for treatments. The fund has also orchestrated trips for terminally ill children, as well as children who are suffering through disease and disability.
When asked about the mission of the fund, Martha says, People often dont know Gods plan. After Chyannes death, we felt we could not continue life, but God helped us through and guided us to help make it a little easier for others to deal with such pain. Martha talks about the importance of making certain that 100 percent of the funds raised go to help families. It is important that the memory of Chyanne is honored and lives on through the families that are blessed through this fund, she says.
Jackson State thanks Mrs. Scott for her selfless service to others through this fund. Donations can be made to the Chyanne Scott Fund at the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation. 620 Skyline Drive, Jackson, Tenn. or by visiting www.wth.org/foundation.