Better2getherRVA

Better2gether April News

We’re a little behind getting our monthly newsletter out as we’ve been busy managing BIG needs, including a surge of new families who are reaching out for assistance in caring for their child with a serious, lifelong illness.

I know you understand – and likely didn’t even notice the belated e-news 🙂 – but I hope you’re now wondering how you can help. I can tell you, new families often reach out feeling worried and unsure about how best to care for their child.

Knowing where to turn for help and support makes the journey less overwhelming which is what we’re here for. That’s the heart of Better2gether!

It costs, on average, $30 to provide personalized resource coordination each time a family calls. You can help provide supplies, information, and caregiver support to these families in need, and equip them to care for their child.

Would you please consider making a donation today to help answer a family’s call? Click here to help.

Any amount you can give would be greatly appreciated. I truly believe that together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these families.

Thank you so much for your consideration!

Gratefully yours,

Stephanie's Signature

Stephanie Becker
Executive Director

p.s. In the months to come we will share ways we are supporting these new families, thanks to your donation today!

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Programs

Your support helps Joshua to just be a kid!

Joshua gaming with his siblings

Thanks to our donor community, Carissa was able to help B2g champion Joshua receive a brand new video game system to enjoy with his siblings.

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Meet Joshua, an 11-year-old boy with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Joshua has faced multiple medical, intellectual, and behavioral challenges since birth. Joshua’s medical journey hasn’t been an easy one.

“Unfortunately, there are times that Josh needs admittance to the hospital due to his medical fragility and complications, and is followed by about sixteen specialists by now, as well as attends a variety of endless therapies,” says his mom, Monika. “But we would not have it any other way, because this is our family, and this is our story.”

Joshua is an inspiration and a true kid champion, which is why Carissa, B2g Resource Coordinator, thought of him for a special resource connection. Carissa connected Joshua and his family to Able Gamers Foundation, a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the overall quality of life for people with disabilities through video games.

Joshua’s family is grateful for this referral as he received adaptive gaming equipment to help him play video games suitable for his fine motor skills challenges. “The entire process was truly wonderful and inspiring,” shares Monika, Joshua’s mom. “It is absolutely amazing and exciting to be able to see Josh be part of the fun and play video games with the family, instead of just watching someone else play. It brings so much joy and laughter to all of us, and those fun memories as family we will always cherish.”

Carissa, B2g Resource Coordinator, contacted a mom whose son was scheduled for brain surgery last month. During the conversation, Carissa learned ways Better2gether could ease her burden by connecting her with needed resources, including clothing and a new car seat. She also used B2g funding to purchase the mom a crockpot to help with meal prep.

While a crockpot may sound like a little thing, a simple act of kindness during a time of uncertainty makes a difference. Whether a family’s struggle is financial, emotional, or simply a feeling of overwhelm, knowing there’s a community that cares makes the day better. We’re grateful to have a community that believes in helping families on their journey!

Read More of Josh’s Story

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B2g Egg Hunt brings joy and connection!

BIG bear HUGS

We had an eggcellant time with our kids and families at the B2G Family Egg Hunt. From games, arts, crafts and Easter Egg Hunting, we had a hopping good time!

Social events like these hold significant importance to our families, as they offer a chance to connect with others, enjoy the day, and remind them that they are not alone on their journey. It’s amazing how being in the company of others can make a challenging situation seem much brighter.

Thank you to our community partner Gayton Baptist Church for hosting, and Deep Run High School Better2gether Club for organizing and volunteering!

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Events

Put some heart into your golf game!

B2g Golf Classic

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Better2gether Golf Classic presented by Call Federal Credit Union on May 18 at Magnolia Green Golf Club!

Registering your team includes a foursome of golf with a cart, boxed lunches and four drink tickets per player. But that’s not all! On-course experiences, games, and raffles are just a few of the extra perks that come with the event.

Join in the fun and help support children and families who are fighting serious illnesses. It’s sure to be a “par-tee” you won’t forget!

Register

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Community Partners

We’ve got BIG love for community partner Little Hands Virginia who helps us to take care of our littlest champions – champions like Asher!

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Better2getherRVA knows that, as a community, we are all truly better when we work together. That’s one of the many reasons why we are so grateful for the privilege of partnering with Little Hands of Virginia, a nonprofit organization that provides essentials and a little extra love to children in need in the Greater Richmond region.

Through this community partnership, Little Hands has provided much-needed items to Better2gether families, including an air purifier, pack & play, winter clothes, feeding supplies, specialized stroller, diapers, high chair and video baby monitor.

“Little Hands is truly an amazing organization to work with,” says Carissa Russo, Better2gether Resource Coordinator. “They have helped provide essentials to some of the babies in our organization. These small acts of kindness have been life changing for parents who may not have been able to get these items on their own. Taylor and Ashley are a great team. They are responsive and delivery happens fast! I am happy to connect with such amazing people.”

Little Hands relies heavily on the donation of new or gently used items geared towards young children ages birth to three. “We recognize that these are the ages when families don’t always have the same level of support that they may have when their children enter school,” explains Taylor Keeney, Founder and Executive Director of Little Hands Virginia. “Babies are expensive and grow quickly! They always need different things to meet developmental milestones.”

“We love working with Better2gether and their families,” shares Taylor. “One of the first requests we filled was for a parent who needed a very specific type of stroller that could accommodate medical equipment. It was so rewarding to all work together to provide this stroller free of charge. We hope it helped improve the family’s quality of life. A specific stroller can be a game changer, especially for families with medically complex children.”

If you’d like to learn more about our community partner Little Hands – including how to donate much-needed items that can benefit Better2gether families, as well as young children and families throughout Virginia – please visit their website: Little Hands Virginia | (littlehandsva.org)

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Champions

We need your support in providing resources to a family caring for their child with a serious illness. Here’s how your gift will help:

Donate

 

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