One day in January of 1992, Kathy Derr was told the words no mother wants to hear: Her 7-year-old son, Christopher, had an inoperable brain tumor. The next nine months were a stressful blur of hospital visits, treatments and tears, until that August, her beloved Christopher passed away, leaving Kathy and her family shattered with grief.
This is worse than a nightmare, because a nightmare you wake up from, Kathy thought, anguished. But with four other children, she knew she had to find a way to carry on. Even in the midst of her grief, the blessings were abundant: Her family and friends had gone above and beyond to step up and support her. From organizing outings for her other children to cooking countless meals, her close-knit circle was a godsend.
Not every family in our situation is this lucky, Kathy thought, recalling with heartbreak how many kids had been alone in the hospital as their parents struggled to make ends meet. All sick children should be able to get a time-out from hospital visits and have something to look forward to—with their loved ones! she realized.
Finding purpose in pain
Kathy and her husband, Chuck, decided to take action and make that wish a reality. Three years after Christopher’s passing, the pair started putting the building blocks in place to give other families that same sense of community—and some fun too.
この記事は Woman's World の August 28, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Woman's World の August 28, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
"Help me get along with my family"
Our relatives have a talent for pushing our buttons this time of year, which is why we asked experts for simple ways to defuse conflicts fast
"Valerian root helped me sleep again!"
After years of chronic insomnia that left her feeling groggy, Nicole Dunn took matters into her own hands to find a natural remedy - soon enough, she discovered a tea that changed everything!
Heart health made easy!
As we spend more time cozied up indoors these days, it's easy for our activity levels to dip.
Relief from hand and wrist pain
Cozying up with knitting or a puzzle is a fun way to pass time. But small, repetitive hand movements can trigger joint and tendon pain.
How to stop grinding your teeth overnight
Grinding your teeth at night (sleep bruxism) causes wear and tear on your pearly whites.
Stay steady on your feet
Fallen leaves, rain and, soon, ice and snow. Now that \"slippery season\" is officially here, maintaining good balance is more important than ever.
Look camera-ready in a flash
'Tis the season for snapping pics! These simple tricks will help you look and feel your best when striking a pose.
Her fashions bring joy & confidence to women with disabilities!
After watching her beloved Aunt Emma struggle with her cancer diagnosis, Lady Natasha Fines became passionate about creating an adaptive clothing line. And before she knew it, Lady Natasha was helping hundreds of women feel more like themselves again!
Bring-a-dish holiday sides
Traveling for Thanksgiving? Try our easy recipes that will be a perfect addition to any loved one's buffet
Melt up to 9 lbs a week
Inspired by new research! Discover trendy soups and smoothies that build muscle and shred fat