Let's CHECK-6 for O'RIAN!

About this campaign

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, 15 May 2019

At 13 years old, O’Rian Jolley is a warrior and dreams of being a “Guardian”. As a watchful protector and fighter with a true warrior spirit, O’Rian has been battle tested and continues to show his strength and courage. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus and severe gastro-esophageal reflux from a young age, he has fought bravely, even as additional medical conditions have piled on. O’Rian was most recently diagnosed with an extremely rare primary carnitine deficiency and mitochondrial diseases of the brain but continues to be “Coast Guard Strong” in the face of adversity. He is a huge fan of the Ashton Kutcher & Kevin Costner movie “The Guardian” and has dreams of becoming an Aviation Survival Technician - Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer - when he grows up. Through the incredible support of his family, O’Rian regularly works towards his goals by swimming and learning more about his dream job as an elite Rescue Swimmer. While he understands the dedication required to become an elite member of the military, O’Rian takes the time to raise money for research and awareness of mitochondrial diseases. He does this by creating and selling paracord ‘Hope Bracelets’ that take him four to five hours to create. The bracelets come in different colors and are popular among military and law enforcement because they can be unwound in an emergency and have survival applications. O’Rian doesn’t charge a set price per bracelet and has managed to raise over $1,000 for research at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC -an awesome feat for a young warrior battling multiple severe illnesses.

O’Rian lives on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, with his parents Sarah and TSgt Wayne Jolley, along with siblings Tristin and Zariph. When he is not working towards his goal of becoming a rescue swimmer or performing his duties as an honorary ‘Coastie’ (an honor bestowed on him by Coast Guard Air Station Washington State), O’Rian can be found hanging with friends, swimming, feasting on Mac and Cheese, and rooting for his favorite team: the Baltimore Orioles.