For 15 years, marathon runners have been a vital part of Good Shepherd’s fundraising efforts. Together, marathon runners have helped raise more than $56,000 for our broad range of hospice, palliative care and bereavement programs. Donations complement the insurance reimbursement we receive, ensuring that we can continue to deliver the unique and compassionate care we are dedicated to providing. Several of our programs receive limited or no reimbursement and operate with a deficit annually. Nevertheless, for 46 years and running (pun intended!), Good Shepherd has earned a reputation for providing the highest quality of care and education for those experiencing or anticipating serious illness and loss, and crucial support for those who are grieving.
This year, we are thrilled to have our Developement Coordinator, Fiona Cusack, run the 129th Boston Marathon in support of our children’s grief program, HEARTplay.
Any donation, any size, will go a long way in supporting this vital program. You literally make our mission possible through your support. Please help us reach our $10,000 goal!
I am beyond excited to share that I will be running the 129th Boston Marathon! Not only is this a bucket list item for me, it is an opportunity to support an incredibly important cause. This April, I will be running Boston for HEARTplay, a program of Good Shepherd Community Care, that supports children, teens and young adults of all abilities who are grieving the loss of an important person in their lives. These vital services are made possible through generous grants, donations, and in-kind support, allowing services to be offered to families at no cost.
It is no secret that grief is an extremely difficult path to navigate; however, when a child experiences a death at an early age, they are at a much higher risk for isolation, depression and other mental health struggles throughout their life. HEARTplay provides crucial support for children, teens and young adults, and their families by helping them to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and experience community with other families who are grieving at no cost. Research shows that these supportive experiences early on can have a profound impact in the development of children who are grieving, leading to brighter futures and healthier adulthoods.
While grieving is a universal experience, support for those who are grieving is not as broadly available and young people often report feeling isolated in their experience. It is imperative that access to this type of support continues to expand, and I am proud to be supporting a program that is listening to the needs of its community and is continuing to welcome participants of all abilities, languages, communities and diverse backgrounds.
To help support as many families who are grieving as possible, HEARTplay has consistently relied on the generosity of our community to be able to provide these services for free. Please help me reach my fundraising goal of $10,000 and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Whether it’s sharing this message, donating to my campaign or cheering me on from afar as I train, your support means the world! Together, we can help ensure that no child has to grieve alone.
With gratitude,
Fiona
Fiona is running in support of HEARTplay, a free bereavement program for children, teens and young adults grieving the loss of a loved one in their lives. Learn more about HEARTplay
