Marsha Jordan

Once an energetic volunteer in many activities, Jordan's life took a sudden sharp turn when she fell victim to a connective tissue disease. Her busy schedule came to a screeching halt because of migraines, fatigue, fibromyalgia, and joint pain. Due to complications of the illness, she was also struck blind for several months. She knows how it feels to be in pain, isolated, and afraid. This is why she can relate to children who are seriously ill.

After Jordan's grandson was severely burned, she learned first hand how helpless parents feel when their little ones are hurting and no one can stop the pain. This enables her to relate to the parents of sick kids. Jordan's hobby of sending cheery cards to hospitalized children and notes of encouragement to their parents soon blossomed into a full time job.

She spread the word about "her kids" to anyone who would listen and encouraged family and friends to send them "happy mail." Eventually she created a web site where she has posted hundreds of children's stories; and in the fall of 2000, she founded a charity called HUGS and HOPE for Sick Children.

Jordan sends out a weekly email newsletter, including essays on HOPE, to over 3,000 subscribers. She also oversees a 24-hour chat group where parents of sick children can meet other parents and volunteers for emotional support and information. Her HUGS and HOPE Foundation sponsors a Parent Pal program, which matches up a volunteer "pal" with an isolated parent. The pal stays in close contact with the parent, providing the rare commodity of friendship. HUGS and HOPE also grants wishes for children, sends balloon bouquets to hospitals, and provides birthday party packages and Christmas gifts.

Jordan, also known as the "Peanut Butter Queen" 
believes that hope and love are sticky like peanut butter. 
"When you spread them around," she says, 
"you can't help but get some on yourself too."

Now, this zany grandmother has written an inspirational book of humorous essays, which is illustrated with drawings by sick kids. In Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter, Jordan shares experiences from her crazy roller coaster life and lessons she's learned along the way.

To learn more about HUGS and HOPE, click here 

Below is Jordan's description of herself in her own words: I'm a ten-year-old trapped in an old lady's body!  I can't program my television or set the clock on my VCR and I forget anything that happened before noon yesterday. I dislike mean people, watching the news when it's all bad, and getting old. I'm afraid of spiders; and I can't stand liver, Jello, or John Wayne movies. I was blind for a time; and I'm grateful to have some vision now! I can't get enough of grandson's smiles. He is the light of my life and God's reward for not killing my son during his teenage years.

Click book cover to  order or learn more.

I enjoy writing when I can't sleep at night. I've been published in over 60 magazines, newsletters, and e-zines as well as having several devotions and stories chosen for  Cup of Comfort books.

I love laughing, life, God, and sometimes people.  I have clothes in almost every size, a toothless toy poodle who is brain-damaged, too many shoes that hurt my feet, and a serious husband who doesn't appreciate my sense of humor; but I have fun!

Born: At a very young age, a loooong time ago
Raised: Chicago suburbs
Favorite Hobby: Spending money
Favorite Quote: Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional
Favorite Food: Anything fried in axle grease or covered with CHOCOLATE

See more photos here.  To read more detailed bio information, click here.