Jameson Allen Memorial Fund established to help save other lives

The parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins of Jameson Allen gather with Putnam County Hospital representatives recently to make a donation in honor of the young boy, who died in February of cardiac arrest. Those present include (front, from left) Carl W. Allen, Mary Ann Allen, parents Steven and Kristen Allen, Willow Rooksberry, Martha Sutherlin, Shirley Mager, (back) hospital representatives Bethany Combs and Jen Balka, Carl J. Allen, Morgan Miller, Leslie Hopkins, David McKinney, Tina Sutherlin, Tom Sutherlin, Conner Rooksberry, Erin Rooksberry, Sadie Alspaugh, Emily Alspaugh and PCH CEO Dennis Weatherford. Not pictured are Katie Sutherlin and Clayton Miller.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

The family of a toddler who died last winter is hoping to help avoid that fate for other local families.

Jameson Allen was just 18 months old when he went into cardiac arrest.

“On Feb. 21, 2024, our lives were forever changed,” the family said in a release. “What started out as a normal day, ended in tragedy. That afternoon we received a call that Jameson was unconscious and 911 had been called.”

Family members commemorate Jameson Allen with the many names they had for him.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

Jameson was in cardiac arrest when responders arrived. Putnam County EMS attempted lifesaving measures and transported Jameson to Putnam County Hospital, where he was treated by “an incredible ER team.”

“Despite all efforts from everyone involved (ambulance personnel, Greencastle Police Department, Greencastle Fire Department and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office), our sweet and loving boy passed away in the ER,” family members said.

Jameson’s family members wish to thank everyone involved that day.

“We appreciate the efforts by everyone,” they said.

The family went further in expressing their appreciation to family, friends and community members for all of their support. They have received meals, money, gifts and emotional support from so many people.

“This community is very near and dear to our family’s hearts.”

With this in mind, the family has started the Jameson Allen Memorial Fund to keep his memory alive and give back to the community that gave so much to them. They have partnered with Putnam County Hospital and the Putnam County Community Foundation to raise money to purchase a LUCAS Device for the hospital.

A LUCAS Device is a CPR compression system that aids in resuscitation in adults and increases the survival rates for cardiac arrest patients. Although this device wouldn’t have been used in Jameson’s care, it can be used for many people needing CPR in the future.

Jameson comes from a family of first responders and nurses who know all too well how important consistent, high-quality CPR is and how difficult it can be to maintain that CPR for an extended period of time. The LUCAS Device has statistically increased survival outcomes in patients who are experiencing a cardiac arrest.

The family is asking for the community’s help and support for this cause and reach their goal to purchase the LUCAS Device to help prevent other families from experiencing such a tragedy. The cost is nearly $15,000.

Donations may be made to the Putnam County Community Foundation at this link. Those donating by check should make the check payable to the Putnam County Community Foundation with Jameson Allen Memorial Fund in the memo line.

“What our family has experienced is very tragic and unexpected. We wouldn’t wish this on anyone. We have received so much love and support and want to pay it forward by helping purchase this device for our local hospital.”