Jeremy’s Circle throws family fun days and teen events throughout the year.
Jeremy’s Circle understands the physical, emotional and financial demands of cancer on a young family and therefore, does not require any effort by the parents for their children to participate in the special events. Transportation, food and drink are provided, and supervision is handled by paid professionals and volunteers.
Jeremy’s Circle was conceived by Jeremy Coleman, his sisters Juliette and Naomi, and his wife Pamela Becker. Jeremy had three children aged 6 months to 6 years when he was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in May 2007.
The organization was inspired by the friends and family that embraced Jeremy’s kids – taking them out for hikes, sleepovers, movies and barbeques – when he was in treatment. Watch this video created by Soul Mama about how and why Jeremy’s Circle started.
Another inspiration was Jeremy’s oldest child, Zoe. She told her parents that she wanted a play date with another girl her age who had a daddy with cancer. Since no organization existed at the time that provided services for children in families with cancer, it took several months until they found an appropriate play date. Zoe benefited tremendously from the experience of meeting someone else in a similar situation. Read her story here.
In June 2008, Jeremy was hospitalized for several weeks, and during that time worked together with his family on the vision and structure of the organization that would provide support to other children similar to his own.
Jeremy died on July 8th, 2008.
