Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!


As most of you, on May 12, 2009, while crossing the street in NYC, I was struck by a van. It is over 2 years later and I am still recovering as a result of tremendous orthopedic and neurological injuries sustained.

Shortly before the accident, I spent 6 weeks volunteering as an ASTEP volunteer at Shanti Bhavan in India. Shanti Bhavan is an amazing place. It's "a home and an exceptional school for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children of India's lowest caste, the so-called 'untouchables' or dalits. The children come from families that have been denied basic human rights for centuries. They are victims of extreme social discrimination and are deprived of the opportunity to live with dignity and economic stability."

I was blessed to return to Shanti Bhavan in June, 2010 to celebrate the graduation of the first class of seniors. All of the children who have graduated from Shanti Bhavan have gone on to college – an incredible feat for children previously deemed both unworthy and incapable of learning.

In addition, through ASTEP, I have spent the last year working with refugee children in NYC. “Today, some 30 armed conflicts rage around the world, with children and youth suffering disproportionately. In the violence of war, children are murdered and wounded. They are abducted, used as soldiers, suffer sexual abuse and risk life threatening illness. They lose parents, friends and communities in conflict and during mass flight. Young people are compelled to take on adult roles, protecting and providing for younger children. Children lose opportunities to learn, and are denied the structure, stability and predictability they need to develop their potential.” Each week, I have traveled to various site locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn to tutor, bring art programming, offer snacks and an opportunity to socialize and be a kid again to refugees from around the globe.

Volunteering with ASTEP’s programming has provided me with purpose and direction after my accident. They have grounded me, guided me and provided me with such fulfillment and hope. ASTEP has helped me in ways I could never imagine and now, I wish to help them.

ASTEP is undergoing a major fundraising campaign to provide for continued programming in NYC and abroad at Shanti Bhavan. Thus, I am reaching out to you in the hope that you will be able to donate toward this effort. A donation of any denomination will be greatly appreciated and will help.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

 Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

All my love and my gratitude,

Sheryl