Our Story
THE BEGINNING
On May 19, 2016 the world welcomed the brightest little light- Indy Llew- and it's been a different place ever since. She is the first child of Brian and Terah Jones, with sister Birdy Roe and brother Zealand B to later join. Indy arrived with a birth diagnosis of Down Syndrome and her life became an amazing adventure with the highest of triumphs and the lowest of heartbreaks. She brought a spirit into this world that drew people to her and touched hearts in a profound way. Her life turned into a memorable mix of adventure, growth, and love. Her hilarious quirks and unique mannerisms, her contagious charisma, her beauty and grace set free... she shined.
HOSPITAL LIFE
The social media world quickly claimed stake to Indy's light and her influence quickly stretched to every corner of the globe. Hundreds of thousands of people became part of Indy's 'family'. Across the world, people joined her journey of fascination, beauty, heartbreak, and happiness. Fate would bring about hard things for our Indy girl, however, including a battle with a rare form of Leukemia that she championed for nearly 4 years. Countless days were spent confined to hospital rooms and hallways but Indy's light never flickered and her spirit never faltered. After a spectacular but relentless battle, Indy turned angel, passing away just after her 5th birthday.
HOW TO LIVE
Her time on earth here was short but she has impacted the world in a profound and beautiful way. She became a glowing symbol of grace, grit, perseverence, and hope against all odds. We will never forget memories like the unique way she spoke, the necklace twirl, her contagious laugh, or a million other things that made her so special. She was a light. She was unbreakable. She was genuinely divine. She was the best of us- and she continues to be all those things and more.
WHAT WE LEARNED
In the midst of their whirlwind cancer battle, a social worker and friend noted something that stuck with them. "I wish other families did the cancer journey the way you guys have with Indy". Cancer halted a lot of things in their life, but they tried every single day to continue LIVING, with greater purpose and intention. The Jones family did everything possible to give Indy joyful, typical childhood experiences, despite abnormal circumstances. Hospital stays and other treatments took many of their days, but they didn't give their happiness away to cancer. When Indy wasn't staying in the hospital they continued to adventure and travel, remembering the goodness and beauty inherent in life. Many of those precious and memorable days, memories as fate would have it would need to last a lifetime, were spent on the beach listening to the waves and playing in the sand. These cherished memories will now carry them through this lifetime, until they are reunited with their beautiful girl again. They have realized that the greatness of this life is measured by the memories we make, and the people that we make them with.
The Indy's Ohana Life
This is where Indy's Ohana was born. From Disney's Lilo and Stitch "Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten". Indy's influence now continues from her heavenly home, making it clear that she wants other cancer families to experience LIFE in the way that she did. Destination of choice - Hawaii. Location - a sandy beach. Joined by - your 'Ohana'. And so it began... welcome to Indys' Ohana.
