You may have seen the story we shared on social media a couple weeks ago about Jason Makaroff–or JMak as we call him. He is one of our longtime volunteers, and he is also married to my twin sister.
JMak went to Peru in March of this year to help Xavier get Brothers’ Bakery International off the ground. His experience with business start-ups and process improvement is a perfect compliment to Xavier’s master baking skills.
Jmak ended up getting sick in Peru and shortened his trip before the bakery’s opening date. When he returned home, he found out that he has pancreatic cancer.
This is a big diagnosis for a healthy 47-year-old. JMak has always been someone who lives BIG, and this new chapter called “Cancer” with a capital C is just giving him an even greater drive to make a big impact.
One BIG thing that matters to JMak is this bakery in Lima. The bakery represents audacity and courage–the audacity to not settle for mediocre, low-wage jobs and the courage to start a business that will provide jobs for many brothers (and sisters), not just Xavier. JMak’s heart beats to see other’s dreams come true.
We are getting closer to reaching our fundraising goal for Brothers Bakery International and they are making major strides in getting set up. Check out these pics!
JMak set up a Dream Fund to help raise the additional money that Brother’s Bakery needs and to see many more dreams come alive in the future. He is also documenting his journey to live and love with pancreatic cancer at JMaksDreamTeam.com. I highly encourage you to join his dream team and follow along. He is going through a difficult natural process, but I can personally testify that he and my sister are finding a deep and solid peace, joy and trust in God in the middle of it all.
Join us in supporting JMak by supporting the bakery. JMak is fighting to live each day to make a difference in someone else’s life, and Xavier is currently at the top of his list. Nothing will make JMak happier than seeing Xavier’s bakery dream come true.
Thank you for all of the support,
With gratitude,
Becca Armstrong
Executive Director
