Hard-knocks child keeps giving

Published Dec. 9, 2011
By 2nd Lt. Candice Dillitte
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Sitting across from 9-year-old Jayden Robin excitedly rocking in a lounge chair, it is hard to believe he was attacked and bitten by a dog, suffering a severe facial injury. The incident occurred in the middle of October 2007 and left him in and out of the hospital for the rest of that year.

Soon afterward, he found out he had Eosinophilic Esophagitis, an allergic inflammatory condition of the esophagus. This diagnosis led to more hospital visits and doctors placed him on a strict, long-term diet.

During his extended stays at the hospital, Jayden said he spent time making crafts and decorating his room.

"It made me happy when my family and I decorated my hospital room for Halloween, while I was in the hospital after a big dog bit me on my face," he said.

In 2010, his mom stumbled across a letter he wrote expressing gratitude. In this letter, he foretold his desire to help others by "[being] nice to the sick kids in the hospital." He thought he could make them happier by collecting Halloween costumes for them. From this letter and Jayden's unique love of shiny metal, JJ's Giant Heart was born.

JJ's Giant Heart is a non-profit organization that helps sick kids across the nation.

"I'm helping sick and injured kids ... and their family, by using the money from my can collecting and donations, to give them toys, games, holiday room decorations and donations," Jayden said.

Jayden donates the money he raises to charitable organizations and families in need. He also spends time creating crafts such as activity books, cards and gifts for kids in the hospital. His family assists him and he garners support of others within the community.

As of October, JJ's Giant Heart has collected more than 20,445 cans and hopes to collect even more. With the money raised, Jayden plans to give Christmas presents to the children at various hospitals.

Last year, JJ's Giant Heart was able to give gifts to more than 300 children. He hopes to reach even more children this year. Jayden said he hopes these gifts will help "with their self-esteem" like it did with him.

In his spare time, Jayden likes to play with Legos and his Nintendo DS.

Jayden's motivation is heartwarming," said Jayden's mother, Jamie. "We can see how making his dreams come true has brought a new light not only to him, but all those who have helped."

Jayden strives to see his business expand so it can continue to give back to kids across the nation. He hopes that JJs Giant Heart will become a name recognized for helping sick and injured kids and their families.

Currently, Jayden is collecting Christmas donations for his 2nd Annual Christmas Gift Drop-off throughout the valley.

To learn more about Jayden's story or make a donation to JJ's Giant Heart, visit their website at www.jjsgiantheart.com. (The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the 56th Fighter Wing, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense of the external Web site, or the information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Services/Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of the Web site.)