Kansas City Innovator’s Heartfelt Mission: Transforming Healthcare One Patient at a Time
In the vibrant city of Kansas City, a healthcare technology founder is turning a heartbreaking story into a hopeful mission. Chris Jones, the visionary behind MatchRite Care, is on a quest to revolutionize how patients access their medical records, all sparked by the tragic loss of his son, Christopher “CJ” Jones Jr.
A Painful Catalyst
Chris’s journey began back in 2008 when his son, only five years old, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Due to a routine clerical delay, CJ missed a crucial opportunity to participate in a clinical trial that could have changed the course of his treatment. His father describes the heartache of that fateful year, culminating in CJ’s passing. This personal tragedy motivated Chris to create MatchRite Care, a platform designed to provide patients with seamless access to their medical records and prevent the kind of delays that impacted CJ’s life.
Rekindling the Fire
Reflecting on his five-year journey with MatchRite, Chris candidly remarks that he lost sight of the human element that inspired his venture. Initially focusing on technology and healthcare providers, he soon realized, “It’s about the patient.” After sharing his story countless times, he found it emotionally draining and began to shy away from his son’s narrative, thinking it had overshadowed the innovative aspects of his company.
“I became a story, not really the technology,” Chris recalled. This struggle pushed him to steer away from his son’s legacy and to look for external validation of what his company should represent.
A Fresh Perspective
However, in a recent transformative shift, Chris has embraced his past and reignited his focus on patients. He believes that sharing his son’s story can help others and amplify the mission of MatchRite Care. Through a feature on the award-winning series “Advancements” hosted by Ted Danson, Chris has dedicated himself to using his experience to empower patients.
“Sometimes, when your why is so strong, it can deviate from the business side of it,” he reflected. “But I’m finally in the most comfortable space now and I can define it.”
Empowering Patients
MatchRite Care’s mission is simple yet ambitious: to enhance patients’ access to vital health information, fostering an informed and engaged healthcare experience. The platform is designed to unify medical records for patients with complex health needs, allowing them to control their narratives. “We want to help patients tell their full story,” Chris noted.
In addition to connecting patients with their medical data, MatchRite Care enables users to add personal notes and integrates AI tools to match patients with relevant clinical trials. Chris shared that after refocusing the company to prioritize patient needs, they began to experience a surge of interest. “We have great technology, and more people are looking at us now,” he said.
Bringing Kansas City into the Spotlight
As MatchRite Care garners attention, Chris’s participation in “Advancements” marks a significant step for the company and Kansas City’s health tech community. When the production team arrived to film in early November, Chris ensured that local stakeholders and innovators were included.
“Their goal is to make Kansas City a health hub,” Chris emphasized, affirming his commitment to be a part of that vision. He wants to ensure that his national exposure will help spotlight the thriving healthcare innovation ecosystem in his hometown.
The Road Ahead
With plans to expand internationally, including potential opportunities in the European Union, Chris is more determined than ever. He recognizes the importance of representation in the health tech space, especially as a minority leader. “I understand how important it is to have a face like mine in this space,” he remarked, highlighting the need for diversity in tech.
Chris Jones’s story is not just one of loss; it’s a beacon of hope and resilience. By turning his tragedy into a mission of empowerment, he’s not only honoring his son’s memory but also paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare for countless others.
