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Going the distance for TCR
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Longtime volunteer for The Children's Room, Brenda Walsh-Segesdi, is celebrating her 20 years of service with her first-ever Boston Marathon run.
Brenda will run in memory of her dad, Joe, who died at only 43 when she was eight years old. His memory reminds her of a favorite Irish proverb, "Do not resent getting old. Many are denied the privilege."
The Maynard native enjoyed her time on both the track and cross country teams, but gave up running for nearly 30 years. She maintained a passive interest in the sport, cheering for those running the Marathon and holding onto the dream of running Boston one day.
Then, shortly after her 50th birthday, she learned the Maynard 5K race course would go right past her childhood home, the home she lived in when her father died. And that was all the push she needed. Brenda returned to the sport and will run the 117th Boston Marathon for her father. Reflecting on her training, she says, "I have soaked in and will treasure every step of the way to the finish line...and far beyond."
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Brenda's father, Joe.
Brenda will run this year's Boston Marathon in memory of her father.
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Brenda's support of TCR has been unwavering for two decades. One of the first program volunteers for The Children's Room, Brenda now enjoys co-directing the Teen Performance Troupe.
She never ceases to be humbled and amazed by the families she meets at TCR, saying, "The power felt when grieving is shared and understanding given between the children and teens is indescribable. I would run any distance possible to help share this message!"
Thanks to the generosity of another program volunteer, donations to Brenda's run will go twice as far. Current and former TCR volunteers who donate towards Brenda's run will see their donation doubled, up to $5,000.
This entire experience has been so meaningful for Brenda, and she is so touched by all of the support she has been shown so far. She says, "My father's death has somehow led me not only to TCR, but made a dream of mine come true, running the Boston Marathon. Life can be pretty awesome."
Thank you to our Marathon Team and to all of you who have already supported their run!
This story consists of excerpts from an article by Cheryl LaMee-Ludwig, TCR Advisory Board member. Thank you, Cheryl!
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Families stay connected with TCR
| A family's connection to The Children's Room doesn't have to end when they transition out of peer support groups or other support services.
One way that families stay connected is by sharing their stories with us and the rest of the TCR community.
 | A father reflects on his experience
in TCR peer support group |
We are so grateful to the children, teens and parents who joined us recently for a day of reconnecting and sharing. Stories they shared with us will be part of a TCR video project, helping us to show others the important work of The Children's Room. Families also stay connected by participating in monthly discussion groups, attending alumni social gatherings, and being involved in TCR events - such as our Annual Memories Walk.
The message we continually hear from families is that The Children's Room is a special place that made them feel supported and less alone - and that TCR continues to make a difference in their lives today.
Many alumni families continue to be involved with TCR in a variety of ways, and we deeply appreciate their ongoing involvement and support!
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| Looking Ahead... |
Siblings' Day
Weds., April 10
Monthly Discussion Group
hosted by parents who are alumni of TCR support groups
Sun., April 14, 6 - 7:30 pm
at The Children's Room
free and open to the community
Boston Marathon
Monday, April 15th
Cheer on the eight runners of TCR's Miles & Memories Team!
Circle of Hope Breakfast
Friday, May 10, 8:30-9:30am
Annual Memories Walk
Sunday, October 6
Mark your calendar for TCR's 10th Annual Memories Walk!
Upcoming Tours:
Tuesday, April 9, 10 am
Monday, April 29, 7 pm
See additional dates and information on our website!
The Children's Room has supported families from over 80 communities in Massachusetts.
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Thank You,
Arlington Hockey Club! |
The Arlington Hockey Club hosted a skate-a-thon event in October 2012 to support The Children's Room, raising over $12,000!
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Advisory Board highlight:
Rich Greene
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The Children's Room has many committed, talented individuals serving on our Advisory Board. For this month's feature, we'd like to introduce you to Rich Greene of Centerpoint Advisors.
Rich Greene joined TCR's Advisory Board just over a year ago and has already made such a difference for The Children's Room!
Rich and his wife Lisa have been generous supporters of TCR events, and Rich currently serves as a member of the Development Committee.
Thank you, Rich and Lisa, for all you do for TCR!
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Our Heartfelt Thanks
|  We are grateful to so many of you whose support makes a huge difference here at The Children's Room. A word of thanks to some special donations of time, talent, and much-needed resources: - Theresa Johnson Herlihy of Johnson Photography for her outstanding photography; her beautiful, powerful photos will help us to tell the story of The Children's Room.
- Harry Allen and Arlmont Fuel for going above and beyond to keep The Children's Room warm for our children and families.
- Martin Conneely and Conneely Contracting for their ongoing commitment to The Children's Room and our welcoming, "Lionheart Yellow" home.
- The eight amazing runners of our Miles & Memories Marathon Team, who are in the last stretch of training before race day.
- All our gifted, reliable, caring volunteers (close to 100!), who we could not do without... thank you one and all.
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The Children's Room: Where courage and community come together
Our newsletter name comes from the color of our house, Lionheart Yellow.
The lion represents courage, and the heart represents what binds us.
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I've had the privilege of working with Brenda for half of her 20 years with The Children's Room. Her story exemplifies the power of connection and community that so many children, teens and families find here at The Children's Room.
Supporting and maintaining these connections help us create our safe, supportive community. Thank you for being a part of The Children's Room community.
With gratitude for our connections,
1210 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476 Phone: 781-641-4741 Fax: 781-641-0012 childrensroom.org
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