What is Way Out Westes? It’s the heartsong that was written from a season of the unknown. A season of  trials, tears, faith, fear, and the goodness of God. In 2018, our youngest daughter Hattie, was born. Upon delivery, she was diagnosed with the congenital heart defect, Tetrology of Fallot, and would soon need an operation to survive. Three months later at three months old, we handed our baby off to surgeons for her first open heart surgery. As soon as our journey began, we saw the hand of God move in every way possible. We were so richly blessed that from that moment on, I knew I wanted our family to be used to bless other families with children that have medical needs. I wanted to be a vessel that finds a way to meet needs in whatever way we could. The seed was planted. The dream that is now called Way Out Westes, officially had sparked a desire to take our experience and share hope with others. A goal to do more.

Flash forward to 2020. You see, while there is a passion for philanthropy, there is also the love of throwing a good shindig. I love a good detail  - the quirkier the better. I also love to gather all of my favorite people together for a good time. In September of that year, we threw a party - it was technically my birthday party but I didn’t call it that; I called it Way Out Westes. It was so much fun we decided it had to be an annual event. When the time came to plan the 2nd annual hoo-rah, some needs arose and I knew we could use this party to meet some of those, even if it was small. Every drop in the bucket matters. Every drop eventually fills the bucket. We issued the call and people stepped up. People opened their hearts and gave and that felt so good. A good time for a good cause. That spark began to fan into flame. 

Since then, Way Out Westes has continued to grow. Each year, beneficiaries are chosen and it is our goal to alleviate as much stress and burden from their personal medical journey as possible. We have a silent auction as well as other opportunities to participate in that raise money and we have been able to give a little more away each year. In addition, Way Out Westes, Inc has been formed and is a registered 501(c)3 organization that allows us to provide tax deductions to all of our generous donors. 

You see, Way Out Westes is the culmination of so many things but mostly, its the birth of something beautiful thanks to a community of people who have caught the vision. A group of giving individuals and businesses that have embraced the heart behind it all and have said, “Yes!” This idea, this dream, this vision would not be where it is today without all of the support we have received. There are not enough words in the English language to adequately express how thankful I am for everyone’s generosity. 

Mother Teresa once said, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” It is incredible to watch the growth and transformation of Way Out Westes and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. It seems to just keep getting better. 

Our why still continues. On July 30th, 2024, our daughter had her second open heart surgery. This season feels so familiar to the season six years ago. God’s goodness and hand continues to cover us and our situation. Despite the stresses and emotions that come with a second operation, there is a fuel that is driving me to make year five even more successful and magnificent. I have an urge to help out greater than we have before….and my gut tells me that I think we just might do it!

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sincerely, 

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Jessica Estes