Over the last 29 years, Mercy Foundation’s Festival of Trees has raised more than $5 million to benefit youth and families through programs that promote health and wellness.

One of those families is J.D. and Andy Helmer.

Andy’s story is one of overcoming adversity with the love and support of a dedicated father and help from friends, community and Mercy Foundation.

After an accident left Andy paralyzed from the neck down, his father J.D. devoted himself to helping Andy.  They share an unbreakable bond and indomitable spirit.  Andy has gone from depending on a ventilator to breathing on his own.  Now Andy is receiving stem cell injections that have helped him regain strength and movement.  These treatments have been made possible in part through the financial support of Mercy Foundation and the Festival of Trees.

From helping a young man find a more promising future and giving thousands of Douglas County children a reason to smile through preventative dental care to supporting youth struggling with Type 1 diabetes and meeting the challenges of delivering services through a pandemic, Mercy Foundation is committed to keeping all kids safe and healthy.