This is hard to read...I will warn you. This story has hit home. Not a second has gone by in the last week that I have not thought of these kids and their families. I never had the pleasure of meeting this family and that is unfortunate since they seemed so wonderful. They were friends with a lot of people that I know. The Jewish community in Houston is very close and it's a small world so everyone knows everyone regardless of which temple you belong to. My girls are being raised Jewish...with a hint of Christmas. My best friend is Jewish and she grew up with this family...or at least Robin.
The story has gone worldwide. It is so tragic that you literally can't wrap your head around it. You can't begin to understand. Your mind just can't go there. It's not possible. Yet you want to help badly. And let me tell you...the outpouring of love and support from the Houston Jewish Community, and other communities, is overwhelming. This has been the sole focus of a very large city...to wrap 5 million sets of arms around these little children and make sure they are okay. Shabbat candles were lit across the country for the Berry family last Friday evening. Bake sales and lemonade stands have been set up raising over $13000 for the boys' care. This weekend there is a car wash and there are jewelry parties planned everywhere to benefit the fund that has been set up. Tutoring hours have been donated, haircuts, meals, etc. It never ceases to amaze me the act of kindness that humanity can have. I get chills every time I think about it.
I am sharing this story for two reasons. One, for prayers not only for Peter and Aaron so that they can walk again...but for Willa who was so brave to give the officers the information needed to contact family...at 6 years old. For all three kids to live as normal and happy life as possible after this horrid event that forever changed their little world. Second, to raise money for them. Even a dollar will help. These boys will have many, many years of therapy ahead of them and will need some serious funding to help the family members that have so graciously and lovingly taken them in.
I also pray for some peace for all of the people that I know that knew them...I know they touched your lives in such a magical way and I am so, so, sorry for your loss. Read about the story below.
Article from Mail Online
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Wow, thank you for sharing Kim. I am touched by the story and by the endless "goodness" of people and the "grace" of these children. They are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteHorrific story. Pass on the word for this family to contact Shriners Children's Hospital, particularly the one located in Philadelphia. No child is turned away if they can help, with or without insurance. In fact, Shriners has only started trying to get insurance to cover because they lost a ton of money in the last financial crisis. Shriners Philly is doing a lot of research in paralysis using embryonic stem cell research and they are tops in their field. The key is to get them to Shriners as early after the accident as possible. Call and ask for Dr. Betz or his assistant Janet. If Dr. Betz can help, he will not turn a child away.
ReplyDeleteThank you, anon! They are actually at Shriner's in Chicago now. Both are permanently paralyzed from the waist down.
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