I'm honored to be a part of Safe Crossings Foundation and our over 30-year history of funding free support services for grieving kids and professional development for grief support providers. I joined SCF not long after my nephews lost their mom. Two years later, they and my niece also lost their dad/stepdad, my brother Rick. I know the importance of children's grief support programs for healing. I have been a volunteer at Camp Erin and have witnessed the transformation in kids and teens from spending time in community with others who have experienced significant deaths at an early age.
What inspires me to raise more money than ever in 2020? Kids and teens sharing how they finally feel understood and not so alone. Caregivers sharing with tears in their eyes their gratitude for the programs being free of charge when their entire world has been turned upside down. Knowing that the number of grieving children and teens in King County could fill Century Link stadium (our football stadium for the Seattle Seahawks) and need our help. Knowing that COVID-19 has increased isolation for kids and left them without many of their usual support networks. Knowing that there is a community of amazing people out there (that means YOU!) who care about the "invisible" need for grief support, care so much about these kids, and will join me in giving generously to support them!