Hello friends and family! Many thanks to everyone who have supported Ann's Place and my transition into this "new" role. I can't believe I have been with this incredible organization for over a 1 1/2 years!
I am once again raising funds during the Amber Room's 5K race to benefit Ann's Place. My goal is to raise enough to support two of our clients for one year. I have two people in mind - a mother and daughter I met about 6 months ago.
When Mary (not her real name) arrived her first day, she looked so lost and anxious. Nobody in her family lived nearby and she was the first to be diagnosed with aggressive cancer. She was scared. In those first weeks when she had counseling and went to a support group, I could see her confidence grow and her anxiety become more manageable. She began bringing her daughter - who is about 6 and cute as a button - to the playroom and to the arts and crafts programs.
She is still fighting...through hair loss, pain and fatigue...but now she is surrounded by many people who can help her stay focused, be hopeful and feel beautiful.
I have seen this transformation happen here so many times. It is life changing. At church, we call these "God Moments" - when something happens so much bigger and better than we could have possibly imagined. In psychology, its is Gestalt theory - when the whole is different than the sum of its parts. Ann's Place is where we all come together - and amazing things happen that are so much bigger and better than the sum of all our efforts.
The last year has given me a few additional grey hairs as I worry about raising enough to cover the cost of services for people like Mary. But when I look into their faces, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
So this year, I am joining the 5K in honor of Mary and her daughter. Thank you for helping me raise $1,500 to pay for these services!
P.S. If you don't want to pay the online service fee, send a check to Ann's Place, 80 Saw Mill Road, Danbury CT 06811 C/O Shannon Cobb/5K race. I can still add it to my totals.
