I am reaching out to you to ask you to help support a program that is very near and dear to my heart.  As many of you know, for the last 9 years, I have had the privilege of being a part of Circle of Care – East Bay Agency for Children, working with and helping to support children and families who are coping with a life threatening illness or grief due to the death of a family member.

 

This year, on May 15^th 2010, I am organizing and participating in our first annual Walk to Remember event.  I will be walking around Lake Merritt in honor of the families we serve at Circle of Care and in memory of several very special family members and friends who have died.  I walk to remember Buster, Sean, Dar, Grammy, Grampy, Mimi Pere, Mary, Jamba & Zack – they have all have touched my life, and influenced the person I am today in so many ways. I walk to remember the time I had with them and keep their memory alive as I travel down life’s road full of unpredictable joy, happiness, sadness, struggle and triumph.  (see youtube memorial on left side of page)

 

I am asking you to sponsor my Walk by making a donation on my fundraising page today. Help me reach my goal of raising a minimum of $3,000 for Circle of Care. No donation is too small, even 5.00 and 10.00 will make a difference. If you would like me to walk in honor of or in memory of someone in your life please let me know and I will write their name on a ribbon and carry it with me as I walk.

 

I also encourage you to join me for the walk and register as a part of my team! You can set up your own memorial web page, and come out and share this special day together.

 

Here is a little more about the program:

Circle of Care is there for children like 8 year old Laura, who's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, or when 12 year old Jonathan’s brother was killed suddenly in a car accident.  Parents, caregivers and family members are often afraid of how to talk to children about death, and children often feel isolated in their grief.  Circle of Care provides a safe place for all family members impacted by the loss and help them as they navigate through the healing process.  Children can be around other kids who have had a parent die, or who have a caregiver who is battling illness and support each other in their experience. 

 

I am a part of a small team of 5 staff members and over 50 volunteers and interns providing peer support groups, individual & family counseling, crisis support, educational workshops, and information and referral to over 300 children and adults each year. Our program is funded by foundation grants and individual donors like you.

 

From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your support!

 

Peace,

Alinya