Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Craycraft.
Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been working in hotels for over 15 years and absolutely love the hospitality industry. We have the privilege of serving others on a daily basis and creating remarkable experiences. In 2014, my daughter Kennedy Bliss was six weeks old and became ill which led to several overnight stays at the hospital. We were beyond fortunate to return home with a healthy girl and our situation was minimal compared to other families I saw in the hallway hoping their kiddo would make it to the next day. That experience produced an empathy in me for those who have a much longer journey ahead due to their child undergoing medical care
It turns out, my daughter loves hotels just as much as I do and when she knows we have an upcoming hotel stay, she becomes the happiest kid in the world! Kids love hotels and the adventure they bring. Parents love hotels and the services they provide. I formed this organization to be a resource for families before or after their child undergoes a medical procedure to help them replace a bit of worry through a magical stay.
While this is not a faith-based organization, it’s run by a faith-based girl and my faith is built on love. My desire is to love others well by extending this support with the hope they find joy and know they too are very loved!
Has it been a smooth road?
The smooth part has been the incredible support received from friends, family, colleagues and the partnering hotels and medical facilities. The first portion of my journey was bumpy due to my shortfall of details. Details are not my strong suit! I had a vision but forgot to outline the mission. My Dad was the one who reminded me if a person on my team entered my office and had a great yet broad idea asking for my feedback, what would I say? I laughed and said, “I would request they return when they can sum it up and provide me a plan of action.” That was my aha moment! So, I got to work and after one year of research and discussions with experts in the industry, I was able to confirm there was a need for this and I formed the detailed outline I was missing!
I had a stirring in my heart with this idea for quite some time but kept finding reasons, perhaps excuses to delay the process. I was hesitant to add more to my plate since I work full time and have a husband and two young kids. But then I realized, my cup overfloweth so shouldn’t my plate too?! The families we are able to support are going through such difficult journeys. I desire to provide encouragement along the way to help lighten their burden. That’s why I started this and that’s why we will keep going!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Operation Bliss story. Tell us more about it.
We are a 501c3 approved nonprofit organization with a mission to create memorable hotel stays following a child’s medical procedure in order to provide support, bring joy and celebrate the road to recovery. We provide a one-night stay at a local DFW hotel to celebrate a child’s medical discharge. The stay can occur prior to or after the procedure and is placed at a partnering hotel with availability at no cost to the family. In addition, we include one meal gift card, valet parking and customized amenities for the family. We have eligibility requirements in place which we outline on our website. We currently have up to 12 partnering hotels and still growing! I’m so honored to be surrounded by amazing people who want to help support others. My team consists of volunteers who have donated their time and skills to join me in this mission! Sometimes, the smallest gesture to others can make the biggest difference. Doing small things in a great way is what we believe in at Operation Bliss!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The hotel supply in Dallas is increasing and I hope to have more of those hotels come on board to be a part of what we are doing! The more inventory we have partnered with us, the more options we have to help customize the hotel stays in convenient locations for the family based on the medical facility the patient is being treated at. We have discovered lodging for families during their medical visits is an important need since Dallas has some of the best pediatric care facilities in the country. We want to help fill that need through our organization. We are excited to bring on more partners and see how we grow!
Contact Info:
- Website: operationbliss.org
- Phone: 214-893-2497
- Email: info@operationbliss.org
- Facebook: @operationbliss
Image Credit:
Head shot- John Christopher Photography
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