On Around Town with Sarah Olson, local voices help shine a light on the people, organizations, and causes making a difference across Jacksonville. One of those voices is Dr. Saundra Jackson, a board member for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund and a local emergency medicine physician now serving the community at Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Jackson is using her platform to raise awareness for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in September and to highlight the meaningful work the Jay Fund is doing for families throughout the Greater Jacksonville area. She is also preparing to run the New York City Marathon this November on behalf of the organization, with funds raised through her campaign going directly to the Jay Fund and the families it supports.
Spotlighting the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund in Jacksonville
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund is a homegrown organization with roots in the local community dating back to 1995. Its mission centers on supporting families dealing with childhood cancer, providing help during some of the most difficult and overwhelming moments a family can face.
For families navigating a pediatric cancer diagnosis, everyday responsibilities do not pause. Bills still arrive. Groceries are still needed. Transportation, housing, and emotional support all become part of the journey. The Jay Fund steps in with practical, financial, and emotional assistance designed to help ease that burden.
How the Jay Fund Supports Local Families
The Jay Fund provides support to families in the Greater Jacksonville area in many meaningful ways, including assistance with:
- Mortgage or rent payments
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Car maintenance
- Gas and transportation needs
- Support for staff positions at WCH
- Camp opportunities for patients and siblings
- Events and parties to uplift spirits
- Caregiver support groups
This support helps families focus their energy on what matters most: caring for their child and staying together through treatment and recovery.
A Local Physician With a Heart for Service
Dr. Saundra Jackson brings both medical experience and community commitment to her role as a Jay Fund board member. As a local emergency medicine physician, she understands the pressure families can experience during moments of crisis. Her involvement with the Jay Fund reflects a commitment to helping families beyond the walls of the hospital.
Her message is rooted in service, consistency, and community. When asked how she defines success, Dr. Jackson shared that success is her ability to stay consistent with the habits that allow her to move forward every day with purpose and intention.
That perspective is especially meaningful as she trains for the New York City Marathon in support of families facing childhood cancer.
Running With Purpose: Training for the New York City Marathon
Dr. Jackson is preparing to run the New York City Marathon this November to raise funds and awareness for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund. She describes the journey as both a mental and physical challenge, especially because she does not consider herself a runner.
Her training began with short intervals: running for 30 seconds followed by two minutes of walking to complete a mile. More recently, she ran 12 miles in one week. The progress reflects discipline, determination, and a willingness to take on discomfort for a cause greater than herself.
For Dr. Jackson, the difficulty of marathon training is put into perspective by the stress parents carry while caring for a sick child. That mindset fuels her commitment to the effort and to the families the Jay Fund serves.
What Sports and Community Teach Us About Giving Back
Dr. Jackson credits sports with teaching her discipline and the importance of working hard for a group. Those lessons carry into her service with the Jay Fund and her approach to community involvement.
Her advice to others in the Jacksonville area is simple and powerful: the community is strong, and it can always use more people actively participating and lending their talents to make it stronger.
This is a practical reminder that giving back is not limited to one path. Some people volunteer their time. Others donate. Some use their professional skills, local networks, or public platforms to raise awareness. Every meaningful contribution can help strengthen the community.
Why Local Support Matters for Families Facing Childhood Cancer
Families dealing with childhood cancer often face emotional, practical, and financial challenges all at once. Local support can make a direct difference by helping families remain stable while they navigate treatment, caregiving, and daily responsibilities.
Organizations like the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund help bridge the gap between medical care and real-life needs. By assisting with essentials such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and caregiver support, the Jay Fund helps families feel less alone during a difficult season.
Practical Ways to Make a Difference
If you are inspired by this mission, consider these ways to become more involved in your local community:
- Learn about organizations serving families in crisis.
- Volunteer your time or professional skills when opportunities are available.
- Support fundraising efforts that directly benefit local families.
- Share trusted community resources with people who may need help.
- Encourage others to get involved in causes that strengthen Jacksonville.
Community impact often begins with awareness. When more people understand the needs around them, more people are equipped to help.
Around Town with Sarah Olson: Sharing Stories That Strengthen Jacksonville
Around Town with Sarah Olson helps bring attention to the people and organizations shaping the Greater Jacksonville community. Conversations like this one with Dr. Saundra Jackson highlight the importance of local leadership, compassionate service, and meaningful action.
Dr. Jackson’s work with the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund reminds us that strong communities are built by people who choose to show up, participate, and use their talents to support others.
Conclusion
Dr. Saundra Jackson’s commitment to the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund reflects the best of Jacksonville: compassion, resilience, and a willingness to help families through difficult times. Her marathon journey is more than a personal challenge; it is a purposeful effort to raise awareness and support for local families facing childhood cancer.
To follow more local stories and community conversations, visit HGTV Jax and watch Around Town with Sarah Olson.
