The Trials to Triumph (T3) Foundation officially launched last weekend with a Hallmark-style Christmas celebration that brought together community members, local leaders, and special guests to support Schuylkill County families facing serious health challenges.
The launch kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 12 that drew more than 250 attendees, including David Akers, who serves as the foundation’s goodwill ambassador, and hometown hero Jaden Leiby. Festivities continued on December 13 with a large-scale Christmas event that welcomed more than 1,000 people. Planned activities for December 14 were canceled due to icy conditions.
Founded in Schuylkill County, the Trials to Triumph Foundation works through churches and partner foundations to provide immediate financial assistance to local families experiencing major health crises. Support covers essential living expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation, childcare, and other necessities. Although newly established, T3 has already assisted 27 families across the county.
“I decided to be the goodwill ambassador for Trials to Triumph because its mission is close to my heart,” Akers said. “It’s about helping families survive the hardest moments of their lives with compassion and immediate relief, while also fostering a family feel in churches and the community.”
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the foundation received citations from the Pennsylvania Senate and House, and the Schuylkill County Commissioners officially proclaimed December 12 as Trials to Triumph Day.
The Christmas celebration featured a half-mile of Christmas lights, a fully decorated and heated barndominium and tent, Santa Claus, horse-and-buggy rides, gifts for children, live music, a fire pit, food, Christmas carols, and a silent auction.
Leiby, a North Schuylkill High School football player who was paralyzed following a devastating injury, spoke about the importance of supporting families during life-altering health events.
“My own journey with paralysis showed me how quickly life can change and how much families need support when a crisis hits,” Leiby said. “T3 steps in when everything feels overwhelming. I’m honored to be part of this mission because it hits so close to home.”
Event Speakers and Dignitaries
- David Akers, Eagles Hall of Fame Kicker & T3 Goodwill Ambassador
- Jaden Leiby, T3 Foundation Spokesperson
- Dane Watro, Tim Twardzik, and JoAnne Stehr, Pennsylvania State Representatives
- Shawn Fitzpatrick, Superintendent, Schuylkill Haven Area School District (Emcee)
- Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Robert Carl
- Schuylkill County Commissioners
- Pastor Joshua Ott, Grace Free Church (Orwigsburg/Tremont)
“When Schuylkill County residents are facing health trauma, T3 wants them to know they are not alone,” said Rebecca Sinclair, T3 programs director. “T3’s mission is to help local families financially and spiritually.”
The Trials to Triumph Foundation (T3) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Schuylkill County families experiencing major health-related hardships. By providing immediate financial relief for essential living expenses and working through churches and foundations, T3 helps families focus on healing, hope, and stability during their most difficult moments while fostering a strong, family-centered support system throughout the community.
For more information, visit www.trialstotriumph.org
