Friends and community — as I prepare to celebrate 50 years old, I reflect on this life I've been given and I want this milestone to mean something beyond me. I can clearly see all the love that has been poured into me over these 50 years from family, friends, and community. And while I'm not exactly eager to splash my age around, I will absolutely exploit myself for a great cause :)

Years ago I met Susie Shaw at a grief training. She left an impression on me I never forgot. Susie became a bereaved mom after a sudden and tragic accident took the life of her son William. What struck me about Susie then, and what continues to move me now, is how she carries grief — how she speaks to its nuances in daily living and what she is creating out of utter tragedy. She shows up openly, honestly, and with her whole and vulnerable heart, sharing herself in a way that takes tremendous bravery. After the training I kept following her, and her words really stayed with me. She has a beautiful way of explaining loss so that you can read it, not turn away in fear, and actually digest the message. So as grief and loss became a deeper part of my own work, Susie's nonprofit stayed with me.

From her experience in loss, Susie is creating as much comfort as one possibly can after tragedy strikes. She and her husband Nick founded William's Be Yourself Challenge and are now building The Green House — a retreat near the ocean on Cape Cod designed specifically for families who have experienced devastating loss and are raising grieving children after the devastating loss of a child or parent. Families will be welcomed from across the country, completely free of charge, for a week of rest, reflection, and renewal. Their story was recently featured in People Magazine.

Grief is heavy. Let's help pour some love into the families carrying it.

So I'm raising $5,000 for 50 by the end of 2026. Please help me pass some funds to this resource and honor William, Susie and Nick, William's brothers, his friends and community, and every single family walking through the unimaginable.

https://www.williamsbeyourselfchallenge.org

Every dollar counts. Every share matters so please pass along!! Thank you for celebrating this birthday with me in a way that truly counts. I love you 💚

William's Be Yourself Challenge is a 501c3 charity, ID# 87-4610009. All donations are tax deductible.

Kickball for Lisa

Let's celebrate community and the support we can give one another.