I hope this email finds you doing well. As for me, I’m full-on excited!
The Better2gether Golf Classic is next Thursday, and I’m thrilled to say that it’s shaping up to be the BEST tournament yet. We’re on track to raise more funds than ever before to support our growing programs, and we owe it all to our incredible sponsors, players and volunteers. If you’re interested in joining us, there’s still time to register – but hurry, as the deadline is this Friday!
I wanted to take a moment to share a story with you about Carissa, our resource coordinator. Last week, Carissa worked with a mom who was in a tough spot. She had lost a $500 debit card issued from an agency for making her doorway wheelchair accessible for her son.
The mom was understandably upset and worried, and didn’t know what to do when she couldn’t get through to a person on the phone at the agency for help. Carissa immediately sprang into action, making calls and searching to get the information the mom needed to obtain a replacement debit card.
This may seem like a small act of support, but it’s moments like these that we’re most proud of. We’re committed to being there for our families, providing them with the resources and support they need to navigate whatever challenges come their way. And we couldn’t do it without donors like you!
Thank you for your support in providing families with a community to lean on!
Gratefully yours,
Stephanie Becker
Executive Director
Events
Registration closes this Friday!
Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Better2gether Golf Classic presented by Call Federal Credit Union on May 18 at Magnolia Green Golf Club!
Register as a team or an individual player! Your registration includes a round of golf with a cart, boxed lunch and four drink tickets. Enjoy on-course games, experiences and raffles as well.
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!
We’re grateful for our presenting sponsor, Call Federal, who’s rolling up their sleeves to make this year’s Better2gether Golf Classic a huge success! Golfers, get ready for some awesome surprises and treats on the day of the tournament.
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Programs
Meet B2g mom Sandra & her boy crew!
Better2gether is all about making connections: connections to resources, to support, to family events, and to one another. Sandra Emery, mom of three, knows how meaningful these connections can be.
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When Sandra Emery’s son, Michael James, was an infant, he spent two weeks in the Pediatric ICU. “I was very overwhelmed,” she shares. “A friend of mine with a medically complex kiddo reached out and invited me to the first meeting of Better2gether’s Moments Support Group. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by other moms who got it, when I didn’t even realize what ‘it’ was yet! Those monthly meetings became a huge support to me that first year of MJ’s life.”
From there, Sandra and her family continued to make meaningful connections with Better2gether and its community of families.
“The first event we did was a picnic. It was a wonderful day. Our boys got to interact with other siblings, be spoiled with fun activities, and see that they were also valued. That inclusion is what we hoped for!”
“I know how lost I felt in the early days as diagnoses were adding up and appointments felt overwhelming,” she remembers. “There was so much lingo surrounding medical waivers, specialists, support, and medical companies. I was clueless!”
Better2gether’s community of support and other families was there for her. Sandra shares “That love – and answering a million of my questions – was my lifeline as I learned what my son needed.”
Sandra is now eager to spread the word about the many ways Better2gether has positively impacted her entire family, noting, “life is better with friends.”
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Cookie Decorating Fun
We had the sweetest time on April 30th with our creative kiddos as they decorated cookies with help from Erica with Baking Imperfections. Thank you to our community partners Jacob’s Chance and Gayton Baptist Church for co-hosting! We love collaborating with our partners to make our events even more special and impactful for the families we serve.
Donor Spotlight
A BIG thank you to Cindy Wyatt, founder of the Willow Tree Foundation, for making clinic visits more fun for kids!
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Cindy Wyatt knows firsthand the challenges of having a child with a chronic illness. Her own son, Logan, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2013, and her family spent months traveling to and from the hospital.
Inspired by her own experiences, Cindy and her husband founded the Willow Tree Foundation in 2014. The foundation raises money to make hospital visits as enjoyable as possible for children with serious illnesses through donating toys and creating kid-friendly spaces.
Given Cindy’s big heart for helping, it was no surprise that in the midst of a introduction meeting with Stephanie, she quickly jumped in to say “how can I help?”
Thanks to her dedication, the Complex Care Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU has received two (2) new iPads for children to use during long medical appointments, providing a fun and engaging distraction during their visits.Cindy’s kindness and generosity are truly inspiring, and we’re so grateful for all she does to help families with chronically ill children. Thank you, Cindy!
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