When Jordan Thomas lost both lower legs in a 2005 boating accident, his initial rehabilitation was long and painful. However, at Thomas’ website, jordanthomasfoundation.org, he has written that he was “given every opportunity” in his recovery, from state-of-the-art limbs to top-notch rehabilitation. Other children he met during his recuperation weren’t so fortunate-some couldn’t afford new limbs at all or had such inadequate insurance coverage that it paid for only a fraction of their limbs’ cost.
Jordan Thomas (right) with Noah, a beneficiary of the Jordan Thomas Foundation. Photograph courtesy of The Jordan Thomas Foundation.
The then-sixteen-year-old was troubled by the inequity, and decided to contribute to changing it. He launched the Jordan Thomas Foundation, and in just four years, it has raised more than $400,000 through golf tournaments, cookouts, and bracelet sales. The foundation has used the funds to provide top-quality limbs to three children, and hopes to continue giving to more.
In honor of Thomas’ drive and achievement, he was nominated to the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year contest, which recognizes everyday people who accomplish remarkable tasks on behalf of others. Thomas, now 20, was recently voted into the contests’ Top Ten list by members of a blue-ribbon panel. He was chosen from a pool of more than 9,000 other heroes from 100 countries and will be awarded $25,000 toward his charitable work as part of the honor. Entering the Top Ten list means that Thomas is also now eligible to win the $100,000 award, which will be given to the Top Ten list member whom cnn.com visitors vote as Hero of the Year. Voting will be open through Wednesday, November 18, and the winner will be announced in a CNN television special on Thanksgiving Day, November 26.
To vote for a CNN Hero of the Year, click here.
