Mitchell’s Journey is a remarkable story about a remarkable boy told by a remarkable father. It is heartbreaking, yet uplifting. It is a story of loss, but also a story of finding everything that truly matters. It is a lesson for me, as a father and a funeral director, to cherish the time we are given with those we love; and even in our grief, to remember that love when they are gone.

Through pictures, videos, and words, Chris tells us about his son, Mitchell, who at an early age was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He takes us on the journey of Mitch’s battle with this awful disease which eventually took his life. Throughout this story, every emotion is felt as if Mitch was your own son. Chris shows the tears of despair in a hospital room, but also tears of joy in a swimming pool. He shows the heartache of death, but also the miracle of birth. With every word and photograph, we are reminded of how precious life is.

Mitchell’s Journey reminds us that while we cannot live forever, we can create something that will. Chris’s story of his son has reached people across the globe and helped raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He has started a conversation that must be shared and acted upon for a cure to be found. By reliving this terrible journey every time he speaks, Chris is creating something that will live forever.

Stan Stone, Cannon Funeral Home, Fountain Inn

“Words cannot express the feelings that are coursing through me right now. Thank you so much for sharing your family journey with us in Batesville today.”

— STACY WAECHTER, BATESVILLE INDIANA

After over 35 years in the funeral industry, 13 of which I traveled in sales, I’ve seen, sat through, and even suffered through countless programs and continuing education seminars. Never have I been so moved as when I was blessed to experience Chris Jones’ presentation of Mitchell’s Journey, the story of his sweet son’s diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, illness, and death, that came much too soon. I was in Batesville, IN for a manager’s meeting, and by chance, had the pleasure of dining with Chris the night before his presentation. It was nice being able to talk to him informally and get to know him.

Chris is an amazing father to suffer such loss, yet put that aside to tell Mitchell’s story to thousands, both in person and on the web. What a tribute to his son, as well as his entire family, to set aside his pain in order to raise awareness for such a rare disease. Chris is rare. Mitchell was rare. The story, although ending in the loss of a sweet, sweet young son, will move you beyond words.

Charles W. Miles, Jr.
Darlington, SC

Last week I was in Nashville, TN, for our annual Leadership Conference. I was honored to receive the first ShareLife award. The photo was taken after I received the award. Christopher M. Jones is is the gentleman closest in the photo. He was a guest speaker from Utah. He shared a very personal part of his life during his presentation that touched me and everyone so much! Having to go in front of a crowd to receive the award and give a speech after him was the one of the hardest things I have ever had to do! He is such an inspiration and a strong man, husband, father and now friend. All I'm asking is for you to take time to look at his Facebook page, Mitchells journey or his web page,  mitchellsjourney.org. I'm hoping that I will be able to get him to Aiken so he can share his story with you!

                                                                     ~ Allen Bateman  |  South Carolina