Saturday, October 4th, 2014
9:30pm - 12:00am
Miller Time Bowling
2902 E. Kimberly Rd., Davenport, IA
Jon and Holly Herath have beaten the odds over and over. At 25 years old, just over a year after marrying his college sweetheart Holly, Jon was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Hard times were upon them. With grit, determination, ongoing love, and the
support of fantastic medical staff, Jon survived his cancer and came out with a renewed passion for life, dedication to faith and family, and making the most of his time here. Despite ongoing renal issues, Jon finished his degree, went on to achieve a masters in educational administration, and built a life with Holly. They were lucky to be blessed with 2 children, Theodore and Ivy.
Jon and Holly lived lives of service. As passionate educators and musicians, they taught not only the love of music, but the idea that music can be a pathway to learn responsibility and scholarship. Jon found a home at District 300 in Lakewood School. He was a huge component of the school family there, forging strong relationships with his students over the years. Holly is a dedicated active member of the Air Force National Guard, serving her community and her country faithfully. Jon and Holly both have worked to personally raise thousands of dollars for cancer research over the years since Jon's illness. Additionally, Jon's impact on SD300 was profound, procuring tens of thousands of dollars in grant money for the district and sponsoring many after school programs for the kids.
Jon loved music, especially country and classical, and playing percussion. He was a die-hard Chicago sports fan, a lifelong lover of the Fighting Illini, and a Bears season ticket holder. Many of his students described him as like a second father.
But his greatest love was his family: Holly, Theodore, and Ivy. Anyone who met Jon and Holly knew that they were a perfect match with a special relationship. Jon doted on the kids and saw them as gifts from God. They led busy but very fulfilling lives, and they found strength in each other. Jon was the image of positive attitude and he strived to teach his students this same spirit. He would say, "We don't have bad days, only bad moments," trying to get others to understand that every moment is our chance to find good and to have a positive impact. We should strive for all good days.
On February 15th, 2014, Jon went to the doctor because he had been suffering from increasing exhaustion. The doctors identified a heart valve infection and immediately admitted him to the hospital. Three weeks later, after multiple surgeries, strokes, aneurysms, and complications, Jon was taken from Holly, Theodore, and Ivy on March 8th, and delivered to heaven to watch over them forever.
Family and friends of Jon Herath have planned a benefit for Holly, Theodore and Ivy to assist with their devastating loss and overwhelming expenses. We are writing to invite you to donate a silent auction item, merchandise, basket or monetary donation. An account has been established at Edward Jones. All proceeds go directly to the benefit of the family and will be used to help offset the high educational and care expenses for the kids, along with any ongoing medical expenses from Jon's treatment. Any gifts can be dropped off directly to 256 16th Ave., in East Moline or by contacting one of the committee members listed below for pickup. For any monetary donation, please make any checks payable to: The All Good Days Foundation. Please visit our website, www.all-good-days.com for more information.
