Leiby helps cut ribbon on new foundation for Schuylkill Countians facing health crises
SUBMITTED PHOTO- - Surrounded by local dignitaries, Jaden Leiby cuts the ribbon on the Trials to Triumph Foundation.
ORWIGSBURG – A new foundation launched last week with the help of a North Schuylkill graduate and a Philadelphia Eagles hall-of-famer.
The Trials to Triumph (T3) foundation launched with a Hallmark-style Christmas event in Orwigsburg over the weekend, with a ribbon-cutting event on Friday.
Taking part in the ribbon-cutting was North Schuylkill grad Jaden Leiby, spokesperson for the foundation, and David Akers, a longtime Eagles kicker.
Leiby, a former Spartan football player who became paralyzed after a devastating injury, emphasized the importance of supporting families navigating life-changing health issues.
“My own journey with paralysis showed me how quickly life can change and how much families need support when a crisis hits,” Leiby said. “T3 steps in when everything feels overwhelming. I’m honored to be a part of this mission because it hits so close to home.”
The foundation was began in Schuylkill County and efforts to provide financial support to local families facing major health crises.
Although newly established, the foundation has already assisted 27 families across the county.
“I decided to be the goodwill ambassador for Trials to Triumph because its mission is close to my heart: helping families survive the hardest moments of their lives with compassion and immediate relief, driving church attendance, and fostering a family feel in churches and the community,” said Akers.
“When Schuylkill County residents are facing health trauma, T3 wants them to know they are not alone,” said Rebecca Sinclair, programs director for T3. “T3’s mission is to help local families financially and spiritually.”
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the foundation received state Senate and House citations, and the Schuylkill County Commissioners officially proclaimed Dec. 12 as Trials to Triumph Day.
The celebration included a half-mile of Christmas lights, a fully decorated and heated barndominium and tent, Santa, horse-and-buggy rides, gifts for children, live music, fire pit, food, Christmas carols, a silent auction, and more.
For more information, visit www.trialstotriumph.org.
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