Cheer family rallies to help coach and family

As 3-year-old Aubrey Jones slowly improved from a frightening sudden illness, members of her “cheer family” across the region rallied to help.

Young cheer team members went door-to-door in communities such as Fairborn, Tipp City and Piqua while others planned fundraisers and donation canisters popped up at businesses.

Aubrey was with her dad, Jon; her mother, Lindsey, a cheerleading coach of four teams in the region; and baby sister Kennedy at an Indianapolis cheer competition when she fell ill the weekend of July 14.

The illness soon turned very serious and she was rushed to an emergency department, then Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University, where a battle for her life was waged.

“We were really, really scared,” said Aubrey’s maternal grandmother, Pam Suske of Fairborn. “We are just amazed that baby has fought like this.”

Aubrey was kept in a coma-like state for a few days, but was awake again last week. That presented a new set of challenges to doctors working to help her heal from Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease and remain comfortable, Suske said.

By July 24, Aubrey was out of the hospital, but the family had to stay in Indianapolis a while longer, Lindsey Warner Jones said in a web posting. A two to three month recovery is likely, Suske said.

As parents have remained with Aubrey, friends, family, the cheer community and strangers have come together with what Suske called the “power of prayer” and to raise money so the Joneses can pay for lodging in order to stay with Aubrey and help with anticipated medical bills.

Jami Young of Piqua, whose daughter is coached by Lindsey Jones, has been helping with fundraisers and door-to-door collections.

“I’m extremely proud of my daughters’ cheer squad for their dedication for Aubrey simply out of love for this little girl and her family,” she said.

The Jones family lives in Fairborn with another daughter, 7 year old Kaydynce. Suske said Lindsey Warner Jones has been cheer coaching the last couple of years in the Troy, Piqua, Tipp City and Fairborn areas.

“The family is just so touched by the outpouring of love for this little girl. We appreciate those who have donated and prayed for her,” Suske said.

Donations can be made at Fifth Third Bank locations under the name of Lindsey Warner. There’s also a web site for donations and information on Aubrey’s progress at www.indiegogo.com/aubreyssick.

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