Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kosj and Jaymi Yamoah.
Kosj and Jaymi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2016, we lost our four-year-old son Zion to a deadly brain cancer called ATRT. Zion was vibrant, joyful, smart, funny, and full of life, not to mention an absolutely beautiful boy. Our entire family adored everything about him. Zion loved to sing and dance. Many of our most precious memories involve his singing, dancing, and worshipping the Lord through music. Zion’s passing drastically changed our lives, and it became clear to us that his legacy was destined to live on in a very special way.
We knew that there were many more kids like Zion, with moms, dads, and siblings still in the fight. So, with our family’s support, we designed and created the non-profit Out of Zion. It combined Jaymi’s teaching background with Kosj’s medical and musical background to create something beautiful for children with cancer or special healthcare needs and their families throughout the Tampa Bay region. Our creative arts program is provided to children at no cost to their caregivers. Through Out of Zion children with medical and special needs experience discovery classes in dance, drama, drums, and art.
In 2019 we also launched a research entity of Out of Zion called Hope4ATRT, which fosters research and provides information to families of children suffering from this little-known cancer called ATRT. To date, over 150 families from ten countries around the world have accessed Hope4ATRT.org to acquire resources to help navigate their child’s cancer journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We have been very fortunate to have such a supportive family and community. When we shared the vision of starting Out of Zion, we were met with support from friends, colleagues, and other non-profit organizations such as Bay Chapel, DeArmon Cast, The Children’s Cancer Center, and most recently The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory.
There was definitely a need present in the community for an accessible creative arts experience for children with diverse needs. Our team of volunteers began planning for our first series of creative arts classes and the first performance. Since the beginning, we have continued to work with students year after year. Seeing the children flourish in the arts is truly a joy for every volunteer.
Starting an organization while grieving the loss of a child is not exactly recommended, but it was something that we knew we needed to do. We were committed to creating joyful opportunities for families of children with medical and special needs, in honor of our son.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
We specialize in creating memories for families of children with medical and special needs. During our Shine productions, children are given the opportunity to share all they have learned during their creative arts classes. We provide everything to make the event extra special for the entire family such as photography, videography, character encounters, food, gifts, and more.
Another special program we offer is called “Refresh.” Refresh is focused on providing parents and caregivers with an opportunity to connect with other parents and take a break from care-taking. Refresh activities include massages, guided creative classes, and special outings. Times and seasons change but the precious moments created for families of children with medical and special needs through Out of Zion lives on. We are honored to be able to facilitate these treasured moments to families walking through a difficult journey and to come alongside to support them. This is what Out of Zion is all about.
Contact Info:
- Email: oozion@yahoo.com
- Website: www.oozion.org
- Instagram: oozion
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oozion
- Other: www.hope4atrt.org
