MOMENTS that Matter
Hi everyone, it’s November, which means the clocks have changed, the leaves are falling and its National Family Caregivers Month!
We’re recognizing this special month by honoring Better2gether
For Laura Barker, attending Moments Support Group was one of the first things she did after learning about Better2gether. Laura’s son, Daniel, has Down syndrome and several co-occurring conditions, including being dependent on oxygen for sleep.
“When your child has medical challenges, it can create some of the biggest needs in your life,” reflects Laura. “It can be really challenging to find people who have similar experiences. I really enjoy access to experts that can speak to my situation, as well as the brain trust of information from the group members. Meeting people who really see you and can encourage you in specific ways because they have been in your shoes is invaluable.”
Moments Support Group used to meet in person but moved to an online format during the pandemic which turned out to be the right fit. Because our families’ lives are busy and full, having Moments online provides the flexibility needed to connect with others online.
“Online format is key for this group,” notes Laura. “It can be very difficult to figure out time away. The online meetings take away that hurdle. I was initially hesitant to attend because I was nervous that it would be too emotional. In reality, there are a lot of laughs and positive energy.”
Caring for a medically complex child can be daunting for families. Your support provides them with resources and a caring team they can count on. Thank you for helping our families!
Gratefully yours,
Stephanie Becker
Executive Director
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Events
B2G’s Mustache Growing Team
Check out these clean shaven faces! This crew is going corner to corner, no south of the mouth for 30 days to raise funds for Better2gether kids who have the courage to face surgeries, long hospital stays, daily medications, medical equipment & more. Better2gether is excited to be one of the charity beneficiaries of this year’s M4K Richmond growing season.
There’s still to join our mustache growing team (real or fake staches are welcomed). Click the link below to sign-up or make a donation to help the team reach their fundraising goal for saying “yes” to helping more kids with serious illnesses and their families!
Thank you to all of our Better2gether Growers (top left to bottom right): B2G Kid Michael James, Paul Becker, Chris Smith, Keith Reynolds, Morry Mitchell, B2G Sibling Brooks, B2G Sibling George, Thomas St. John, Sean Danowski and Matthew Smith. Not pictured: Bob Wheatley and Tyler Dove.
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Record-Breaking $58,686 Raised!
The Better2gether Halloween Hustle 5K presented by Commonwealth Law Group was a record-breaking success with $58,686 raised! With over 250 participants and 70 volunteers, it was the perfect fall day for some ghostbustin’ fun. Reaching this ambitious fundraising goal wouldn’t have been possible without our generous sponsors who believe in supporting kids with serious illnesses!
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Programs
Shop for a Child & Gift a Smile
The annual Better2gether Holiday Event is just over a month away on December 10th. We need you to help make the wonderland magic happen! Click the button below to shop for a B2G Kid Champion or provide a much-needed gift card for a family member.
How to help:
1. Shop for a new toy or gift card valued approximately $25.
2. Attach a label with the child’s name and age to the unwrapped gift or include gift note with child’s information if purchasing online.
3. Deliver gifts by December 5th to Virginia Asset Management at 130 Wylderose Drive, Midlothian, VA 23113 or ship directly to:
Stephanie Becker
C/O Better2gether
12120 Ormond Dr
Henrico, VA 23233
Don’t have time to shop? Make a donation online.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful support in making the holidays bright!
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Volunteer Spotlight
Lasagna Delivery Help
In honoring our caregivers this month, we are partnering with Lasagna Love to provide meals to B2G families. We are looking for drivers to deliver lasagnas to our families on Saturday, Nov 12, and Saturday, Nov 19, starting at 10am. Pick-up and drop-off addresses will be provided after signing-up. Thank you for making the day brighter for our families!
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Lasagna Delivery Help
We are looking for helping hands to wrap gifts for our annual holiday event. The wrapping party will be on December 9 from 1:00pm to 3:30pm at Reveille United Methodist Church (4200 Cary Street Rd, Richmond, VA 23221). We are kindly requesting that each volunteer bring at least one roll of wrapping paper, tape and scissors. Thank you for helping to make the holiday bright for our families!
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Lasagna Delivery Help
Join us in making the Better2gether Winter Wonderland Holiday Event a magical time for kids with serious illnesses! Volunteers are needed for set-up, games, gift station, handing out holiday treats and cleaning up on Sunday, December 10, at Reveille United Methodist Church (4200 Cary Street Rd, Richmond, VA 23221).
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Community Partners
Remix Market & Junkluggers of Central VA
Thank you ReMix Market of Central VA and Junkluggers of Central VA for including us in your Fall Festival fun this past weekend. We appreciate your desire to support kids with serious illnesses. This donation means we get to say “yes” to more families seeking non-medical support. Huge win for kids in RVA!!
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PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TODAY!
There are thousands of families in RVA caring for a child with a medically complex illness who have no non-medical support. Please consider donating today so Better2gether RVA can meet the needs of these deserving families and children.
What Your Donation Does:
$50 – provides a Kindle Fire for distraction and entertainment during long doctor appointments
$75 – provides a gas card and meal gift card to help relieve the financial burden for families during an unexpected hospital stay
$150 – stocks a tote bag filled with books, supplies and a medical binder to equip parents with tools to care for their child
$200 – grants 4 children access to our Create2gether Art Program
$500 – helps fund MOMENTS, Richmond’s only support group for parents of medically complex children
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