Leading The Campaign

Father Champions Children's Hospital, Community

Last updated Saturday, February 9, 2008 6:03 PM CST in Our Town

By Marla Hinkle
THE MORNING NEWS

"You hit certain bumps in the road that test your whole life, so when we had Samuel, it opened up a whole new door to the children's hospital. We had to get out there and learn about hydrocephalus and what was going on," Spencer said.

He saw his son for five seconds after he was born by C-section before an Angel One Transport team intervened.

Samuel had a shunt inserted. The device diverts fluid from the brain into the abdominal cavity where it is safely absorbed into the bloodstream.

Spencer said he and his wife discussed and prayed about their relationship with Samuel. He is now blossoming and "talks tons" and has taken 20 steps, his father said.

The flexibility in his work schedule was invaluable, he said. Spencer is a product manager at Tyson Foods Inc. in Springdale.

"The whole time I was (at the hospital) I noticed how kids' parents couldn't be there, and the nurses, doctors and respiratory people took care of the kids. They made pictures and drawings and stuck them on cribs.

"These kids got a lot of love and had a lot of attention. They received 24-hour care, with one nurse to every two kids. They were constantly monitored and loved."

Campaigning For Children

Since Spencer began his role as chairman a year ago, the Kampaign for Kids has raised $100,000. This year's goal is $105,000.

The fundraiser's purpose is to garner support from the business community. So far, 30 businesses have been added to the donation list.

"People feel so strongly about children, even if they do not have one with special needs," Spencer added.

A great aspect of living in Northwest Arkansas is the high quality care provided by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Fayetteville, and access to the Angel One Transport helicopter to the hospital in Little Rock.

The Center for Children, a collaboration between Arkansas Children's Hospital and UAMS, recently opened in Lowell. The 40,000 square-foot, two-story building houses the Schmieding Developmental Center, Schmieding Kids First program and regional clinics.

Shirley Esch said Jim Bob and his family are very caring and supportive people who benefit the community. Esch and her husband, Pete, donated $10,000 to the kickoff campaign, along with another $10,000 from George's Inc.

Derek and Jennifer Gibson are friends with the Spencers, and Jennifer is a liaison between Circle of Friends, along with Stacey Hanby.

"Jim is an example to us as parents. He's a wonderful parent who has shared his experience with Arkansas Children's Hospital to help us with this campaign," Jennifer said.

Best friend Derek described his friend as solid. The two have known each other since birth.

"He is an example to us all. He continues to make contributions and does outstanding work supporting Arkansas Children's Hospital."

Kampaign for Kids continues through Feb. 26.

Family Values

Structured is how Spencer describes himself. His son wakes up with him twice a week and spends time with his father before he leaves for work. Then Amber and their daughter, Caroline, get ready to accompany Samuel to therapy.

At work, he focuses on how to grow business every day. His career focuses on several customer projects.

He helps create projects and manage profitability, teams operation, logistics and research, all designed to ultimately create value for the customer.

"The thing that really drives me is to have motivated people around me and observe their attitudes, how they handle obstacles and find different solutions.

"I always try to have a smile on my face and look for the best opportunity to find ways around failure."

Spencer's favorite part of the day is when he sees his family at their Springdale home, the children with "huge smiles" on their faces. After dinner, the family will read 10 or 11 children's books to Samuel.

Much of his positive attitude is gleaned from lessons from his family. His father died about two months ago. A favorite piece of advice from his father that brings a smile to his face is: "Don't stand up in a hammock."

Spencer golfs at the Springdale Country Club and plays guitar in his free time. His goals are to eventually obtain a senior management position at Tyson Foods and personally, to grow in his faith at First United Methodist Church.

"I want to teach Samuel and Caroline about life in general, like my dad did for me and my brother and sister."

His late father, Lee, had the opportunity to attend a few Kampaign for Kids meetings and see his son in action. His father was a behind-the-scenes kind of guy.

He asked his son why he decided to take on the role of raising money again, joking that he was crazy to get involved and raise the bar high for a second year.

Jim Bob Spencer smiled as he shared his father's words at the luncheon. Most supporters agree that if anyone can raise the bar, it's Spencer. His wife, Amber, was swimming with Samuel at his therapy session. His brother, John Stephens Spencer, attended the affair in support.

"Jim Bob gives more than 120 percent in his efforts for Arkansas Children's Hospital.

"He's been through a lot and has stayed strong for his family and the community."

BIO BOX:

Jim Bob Spencer

Birthplace and date: Fayetteville, Dec. 1, 1976.

Parents: Lee and Cyndy Spencer.

Siblings: Sister, Kim Herreman, brother, John.

Education: Undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in transportational logistics and an MBA from Webster University in Fayetteville.

Wife: Amber.

Children: Samuel, 3, Caroline, 11 months old.

Pets: Golden retriever, Honey.

Career: Product manager at Tyson Foods Inc.

Source: Staff Report.

AT A GLANCE

Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends is a statewide group of volunteers associated with Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock. Chapters are located throughout the state. Local chapters are in Benton and Washington counties.

In the last 20 years, members have raised more than $8 million in support of the hospital.

Kampaign for Kids is a corporate fundraiser to benefit the Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation. It will continue through Feb. 26.

For information on donating, call 725-0406.

Source: Staff Report

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