Testimonials

“I was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer, in 2015. Soon after, I was introduced to the James Bess Foundation and fell in love with their vision. Instead of asking for something for myself, I wanted to help spread the word about this amazing organization. So, the James Bess Foundation partnered with my local church and had a benefit concert to highlight the Foundation and to raise funds to help me. Much to the amazement of my husband and myself, the Foundation raised $2000 to help us. Truly, this was more than we could have ever imagined and was an answer to prayer. We were given a sense of hope and a sense of relief. You just don’t take those sorts of blessings for granted. I will forever be a supporter of the James Bess Foundation.”

- Nanette -

“In September 2018 my wife, Gloria, was diagnosed with stage four cancer of the uterus. Our doctor recommended the James Bess Foundation earlier because my wife wanted to see her family in the Philippines before she becomes unable to travel. We filled out the application, mailed it in and was contacted within three days. They were amazingly able to purchase the ticket for Gloria’s trip. They organized the trip and have been extremely helpful with all the documentations we needed. They’ve gone above and beyond to help us in our needs. They’re making my wife’s dream come true and there is no way I can truly tell you how grateful I am! The foundation deserves all the support that can be mustered! God bless the James Bess Foundation. Thank you, Mindy, for everything!”

- Jesse (Gloria's husband) -

“My apprehension almost kept me from filling out the application to the James Bess Foundation for a riding lawn mower. The thought that it was actually going to come true never crossed my mind. That's why I was so excited when I got the phone call that my dream wish was going to be fulfilled! It happened only days after sending in the application. It all became so real when they showed up with the lawn mower and a team of people to clean up my yard that had not been touched in five months. This wish has given me back some of myself. It has given me the chance to gain back some of my independence to get outside and engage in a hobby I have always loved. I can now spend time in my yard and get away from only living with the cancer for a while. This gift will continue to bless me over and over with new hope. Thanks so much to the James Bess Foundation for all of it!”

- Darryl -

“Thank you for doing so much for our family vacation! It was a wonderful experience. I saw the James Bess Foundation on a Brain Cancer website and contacted Mindy. My husbands wish was to have a family vacation at the beach. The James Bess Foundation went above and beyond our expectations. Mindy even surprised us with a visit from our son and his family from Ft. Hood! We were given a gift that I can’t express how much it meant to us. My husband wanted time with the family and Mindy (and the James Bess Foundation) did an amazing job!"

- Tana (Don's wife) -

“Before my dream vacation, I was always down & emotional, and nothing I wanted to do in life got done. I had just raised 2 beautiful children & was just divorced from a 20-year marriage. My dream was to see the ocean once in my life. Once I took my vacation with my big brother, organized & all expenses paid by the "James Bess Foundation", everything changed for me. First, we were sent by plane to the Gulf of Mexico (WOW!), and while there I was interviewed by two news agencies in our condo; so, I felt like a super star! Our condo was right on the beach so we could see the ocean day and night. We also went on a boat cruise to see dolphins jumping out of the water. I had a gift card (supplied by the James Bess foundation) to shop or whatever I wanted to do. I had the time of my life! After my four-day vacation I felt like a new man. I didn’t have that feeling of regret over something I never got to do. My spirits were lifted & it gave my brother something to remember. I have to say, other than my two kids being born, this was the best thing that ever happened for me for me in my life.”

- Randy -

“Words cannot express how grateful we are for all you did to make our trip happen. PCB was so beautiful and relaxing. We appreciate the James Bess Foundation and what Mindy personally does to grant these wishes! Her dad would be so proud!! Much love to the foundation and especially Mindy!! Thank you so much.”

- Chrissy (Cheech's Wife) -

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us with Ace’s wish trip, Ace had so much fun. It really was a trip of a lifetime for him and us. We took two weeks on our trip. We drove to Florida and went to Disney World first. It was a blast and Ace went on a lot of rides. Ace loved the Castle and all the magic of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. We went to Sea World on Ace’s birthday and took in all of the shows, all of which he loved! We were able to have lots of fun and do a lot of things because of your help. We also swam with dolphins, and it was all possible because of your organization. Thank you so very much. These memories will help us through the months to come, I’m sure of it. Love, Lori, and Ace.”

- Lori (Ace's Mom) -

“Our road trip to the beach with Mom and the family was a perfect success that never would have been possible without the James Bess Foundation! We had top-notch service and excellent communication with them that made the whole planning process stress free. And with everything we are going through, that meant a lot! They handled everything and that was amazing! So many memories were made- from watching kids boogie boarding, jumping waves, and building sandcastles to watching sunrises and sunsets together, flying kites, chasing birds, crab hunting, and eating snow cones. Our mom was able to have a front-row seat for it all thanks to the James Bess Foundation, and in her words "loved every minute of it", and we are forever grateful!”

- Renda (Annette's Daughter) -

"From the start the James Bess Foundation was fantastic to work with. Mindy was professional and courteous throughout the entire process (even when I continuously reached out asking for an update). When we first found out that the Dude Perfect team wanted to grant my wish, we were astounded. It all happened so quickly. The Dude Perfect trip was exceptional, I couldn’t have been more impressed with the guys or their team. They prayed with us which was my favorite part of the trip. They were so awesome to meet and talk with, it was an amazing experience. Again, I can’t thank Mindy enough for the exceptional service and support throughout the process. It was a dream come true."

- Ben -

“Thank you, Mindy, so much for granting this trip for my sister and me. The hotel was beautiful, and the staff helped so much. They were all so caring and full of extra surprises. Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and City Walk gave my sister and me the chance to put everything behind us to be able to enjoy everything that all three places had to offer. We thank the foundation that now has given us a bit of hope and fond memories that will stay with us always. Thanks again Mindy, and the foundation. God bless all of you for the sunshine you have given us!”

- Michael -

"Dear Mindy Bess and James Bess Foundation,
Can I tell you that the "Finley Girls" are as excited as three high schoolers going to the prom? Our Sisters Spa excursion plans for next week in Chattanooga are burning up the phones between the three of us!

We have planned everything including a sunset cruise on The Southern Belle Riverboat, A night at Janet Williams ("The Tennessee Tramp") comedy show, and brunch at the Frothy Monkey. We have also pored over the spa menu at The Edwin Hotel and each of us has chosen a different service. Of course, we are doing that on the first day!

As we leave (back to Georgia), we will go to the top of Lookout Mountain where our mother was raised, and we spent holidays visiting grandparents, to scatter some ashes of both our parents and share some memories. We will return at a later date when we do it again.

I'm sorry this is so long, but I just want to tell you that your generosity to someone you do not know is the greatest gift we have ever had. We have not had time alone with our sister since we were children. We are all very different and have old and deep wounds. Now is the time for grace and unconditional love. And little gifts. Don't forget the little gifts. Because that's how the Finley girls do it.

Of course, there will be a million pictures and a running dialog. But to start with, just a thank you for honoring your father with this gift for others. I will be thinking of him as I say goodbye to my sister."

- Mary (Sister #2) -

"We would like to thank the James Bess Foundation for graciously granting us our dream trip to spend time with my husband's family in California. My husband has stage 4 terminal cancer and has come to the end of his treatment and wanted to have time to spend with his family, but we couldn't do it due to us not being able to afford it. However, because of The James Bess Foundation, we were able to go. It truly was a fantastic trip and our sweet girl Mindy Bess made everything come together for us and was the best at organizing the entire trip. She has such a caring, kind heart and runs a wonderful foundation in memory of her father, which shows just how much he meant to her and how much keeping his memory going means to her. We are so very grateful to have had this opportunity to have such a memorable trip. Thanks a million times. You are truly a blessing to people like us.

Much Love ❤️❤️❤️"

- Jason and Kellie Denos -