Tina’s Personal Appeal

To my family and dearest friends,

Death has been a constant in my life since I was a little girl. I lost my mom, Cynthia Gray, when I was only nine years old. I saw my mom as a warrior taking on the world as a single mother by raising my sister and me. Not long after becoming a single mother, and taking care of two girls, the next battle she encountered was cancer. Unfortunately, she would lose after two courageous years, and two young girls would be left to take on the world without their mum.

Initially, there were feelings and emotions after her loss, but I never dealt with them. I didn’t have anyone who could understand what losing your mother feels like. I continued to find my strength by not facing what had happened and moving forward. After graduating college in 2009 I found myself mourning my mother even though it had been 12 years since she died. I felt like I couldn’t explain these feelings to my friends. The death of my mom when I was a young girl was in my past and therefore I should no longer be feeling this deep emotional connection to her loss. I searched for a place that could understand my loss and allow me to grasp what I was dealing with, and found The Children’s Room (TCR).

I started my training as volunteer this fall, and have been a group facilitator since October 2010. TCR has been the root of my inner growth. It’s a place where children and families can find the strength within themselves to move forward after the death of a loved one. TCR allows kids of all age groups to be kids, surrounded by those that have also experienced a loss. They are nurtured by the love and compassion of their peers, the group leaders and volunteers. I have learned that death is something you never get comfortable with, it will always be a part of you, and that’s okay.

As I train for the Boston Marathon on April 18th I have so much to keep me motivated. The families and volunteers who I encounter every other Thursday, the staff that works so hard to make TCR possible, my friends and family for their everlasting support, and my mother, Cynthia Gray. This place is near and dear to my heart and without it, running the Boston marathon, healing my heart and becoming who I am today, would not be possible. This lovely organization is what allows me to put one foot in front of the other, and will drive me to the finish line on Marathon Monday.

I am honored to have been chosen as a runner for the Children’s Room Boston Marathon Team of 2011. Please help me reach my target goal for the marathon which is $5,000.  Each donation enhances the possibility of a new family joining a group at TCR. This gift is priceless.

Click here to make a secure online donation. Please make sure you add my name to the comments section so we know your donation is in support of my run. Also, make sure you write who your donation is in memory of. Not only will I be running for my mother and the familes of TCR, but the loved ones you have lost along the way.

Thank you for allowing me to make this run possible! Checks can also be made out to The Children’s Room and sent to: The Children’s Room 1210 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA   02476 Please note my name on the check.

Thank you for your everlasting love and support! ♥
Tina

Jen(left) & I (right) at a cocktail party with Mom.  (She made our dresses!)