| Jared was a brave little boy who battled cancer with courage and faith that continues to inspire us all. He was diagnosed with an incurable brainstem tumor in 1999. He was 5 years old, but demonstrated faith and wisdom beyond his young age.
Jared maintained his sense of humor and the joys of childhood through play. He carried a backpack full of toys and games to all appointments, and questioned why the other children didn't bring toys to their exam rooms. Jared's battle ended on November 12, 2000 while listening to his favorite song, "You'll Be In My Heart".
Jared's Mom, Ruth, shares these thoughts:
"Think of one of your happiest childhood moments. Chances are it involved play - whether it was a favorite vacation, special toy, or time spent with family and friends. A Jared Box is the gift of play to chronically ill children. Play is important, and a life threatening illness shouldn't interfere with the need to play."
"The Jared Box Project was created because Jared, at the age of 5 couldn't imagine going to the Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville, Pa or to the Children's National Medical Center in Wash. DC without his toys, his childhood, his connection to home, where he always wanted to be. He questioned why the children didn't bring their backpack of toys. There were games in the playrooms and exam rooms, but the pieces were missing. A Child Life Specialist came to his room for 15-20 minutes to play, but had to take her supplies to the next room."
"Playing UNO is a favorite memory for my family. We can hear Jared's backward laugh, remember him laughing so hard he wet his pants and how he threatened anyone who cheated had to clean the toilets! Jared was adamant about playing fair. Unfortunately, Cancer doesn't play fair. But that won't stop the Jared Box Project from giving the gift of play." 
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