In a world filled with challenges, the story of Jessica Ronne stands out as a powerful reminder of faith, resilience, and the importance of community support for caregivers. Ronne’s journey began in 2004 when she received devastating news during a routine ultrasound: her unborn son had suffered a stroke in utero. Faced with the option to terminate the pregnancy, Ronne and her husband chose to trust in God’s plan. “We put our baby in the Lord’s hands and just had faith that God’s will would be done,” she recalled.
Lucas was born on August 12, 2004, “screaming with life.” Despite the profound disabilities he would face, Ronne’s heart was filled with gratitude for her miracle child. However, her life took another unexpected turn when her husband was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. Over the next three years, they battled cancer while raising four young children, including Lucas. By 2010, Ronne found herself a widow, with four children under the age of seven.
In the midst of her grief, Ronne discovered a newfound strength. “My kids got me out of bed every day. I had to keep living for them,” she shared. Her faith became her anchor, providing her with the resilience to move forward. “I just leaned into the Lord, and He provided what I needed, which was just enough manna for the moment,” she said.
Today, Jess Ronne is not only a devoted mother but also an advocate for parent caregivers, a group often overlooked in society. After her husband’s passing, she found love again with Ryan, a father of three who had also lost his spouse to cancer. They married in 2015, blending their families into a vibrant household of ten.
As the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, Ronne works tirelessly to raise awareness and provide resources for families like hers. She emphasizes the need for recognition and support for caregivers, stating, “The world just isn’t made for families like ours.” Many families dealing with profound disabilities often isolate themselves due to the challenges they face, including behavioral issues and the stigma surrounding special needs.
Through The Lucas Project, Ronne has created care packages, resource databases, and support groups. She also produces documentaries like “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers”, which highlights the struggles and isolation faced by these families. “We have a tsunami of children with special needs aging into adulthood,” she warns, emphasizing the urgent need for resources and support.
Ronne believes that the Church has a vital role in addressing these needs, yet many congregations are hesitant due to fear of the unknown. “Helping doesn’t have to mean direct care for the child. It can be mowing a family’s lawn or bringing over a meal,” she suggested. She encourages churches to step out of their comfort zones, as Jesus did, to support families in need.
In her latest book, “Caregiving with Grit and Grace”, Ronne reflects on the spiritual significance of caregiving. “Caring for another individual is the holiest work we can do this side of eternity,” she asserts. This perspective has helped her cope with the challenges of caregiving, including the recent transition of Lucas to a group home, a decision that has brought peace to her family.
As National Caregivers Month shines a light on the 16.3 million caregivers in the U.S., Ronne urges society to recognize their sacrifices and offer support. “We’re not fine. We’re exhausted. Let people bless you by stepping into your circumstances,” she encourages fellow caregivers.
Ronne’s story is a poignant reminder of the joys and struggles of caregiving. She emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel a range of emotions, from anger to joy, while finding strength in the holy work of caring for others. “It’s about learning to live in that tension of joy and pain,” she says, highlighting the profound impact of love and faith in the caregiving journey.
For more insights and support for caregivers, check out resources from organizations like The Caregiver Action Network and Family Caregiver Alliance. These organizations provide valuable information and support for those walking the often difficult path of caregiving.