ANDREWS AFB, Md. -- –
In life, hardship has commonly become understood as a fact of life. Usually there is a lesson to be learned in anyone's loss. Teens who drive drunk often cease to exist, infidelity leads to a dissention of a family, neglect of schoolwork often leads to a lack of a true career defined by its connotation. But there are also the tragedies that can simply be defined as "bad things happening to good people."
Elijah Lynn Jimenez never harmed another being or warranted any ill altercations, nor did he have the power to virtually make any decisions that affected his own life. Despite this, Jimenez and his family's fate was irreversible; he was diagnosed with Group-B Strep Meningitis early in his life and was diagnosed as deaf-blind shortly thereafter, said his father, Senior Airman Ramon A. Jimenez, a quality assurance technician with the 89th Communications Squadron.
The Jimenez family sought help, and the Connections Beyond Sight and Sound project was what they found in their search. The CBSS is the only project in Maryland to provide both in-home and school-based specialized assistance to meet the needs of deaf-blind children.
"This organization taught our family how to learn from each other and truly connect with our son in a way we couldn't have imagined," said Airman Jimenez.
Inspired by their son, the Jimenez family sought to help the project that had benefitted them and brought their entire family together.
"At the age of four Elijah passed away, but the miracle that was his life is not over," said Airman Jimenez.
Airman Jimenez and his wife, Ashley, will be hosting a golf tournament as an event to raise awareness and funds for the CBSS. The Elijah Jimenez Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled for Oct. 3 at the Swan Point Yacht & Country Club. Registration will be from 8:30-9:30 a.m., and the event will begin with a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. Fees collected at registration cover the cost of the use of the course, a cart, breakfast, lunch, door prizes, a complimentary gift, and beverages throughout the day. Individual registration is $100 and "foursome" registration is $350. Contests will also be held and include: $10,000 hole-in-one, closest to the pin, longest drive, $50,000 putting contest, and more.
"With the money raised from the Elijah Jimenez Memorial Golf Tournament, we aim to help many other children, young adults, and families connect beyond sight and sound," said Airman Jimenez. "We aim to raise $10,000. We are just over halfway there, but much more support is still needed."
For more information, please contact Airman Jimenez at 301-259-0101, or by email at ajimenez@kempersports.com.