​

At the age of two, Jonathan, an otherwise healthy child, was admitted to the hospital after having a seizure.  After six months of agony and deteriorating health, he was discharged from the hospital, unable to move voluntarily, blind, and unable to speak or eat by mouth. The diagnosis was brain devastation caused by viral encephalitis (now called anti-NMDA Virus).

​

He entered numerous therapy programs but showed no progress and was discharged again and again, refusing to give up. His parents continued to search for a program that worked.

​

They found programs that allowed Jonathan to beat the odds and regain some physical function; however, insurance did not cover these programs. Jonathan’s parents, realizing that many children suffering from debilitating conditions could also benefit from programs that helped Jonathan, prompted them to start a foundation and help children with Intellectual Disabilities.

​

The Jonathan Burke Foundation Is a 501c3 nonprofit charity committed to assisting people who have an Intellectual Disability. In addition to helping these families seek and receive the therapies and respite needed, the foundation also increases public awareness of the challenges these families face. We conduct and assist with many activities that help communities unite to make a positive difference for these precious people. Our goal is simple: we support the efforts of these families that allow Intellectual Disabled people to be the best they can be.