Dear Why Me Families,

First and most importantly, I hope you and your family are healthy and safe.  I know that these are unprecedented times, and we are learning to cope with the changes to everyday life.  As a family that has dealt with childhood cancer, you are used to having to navigate the seemingly impossible and face uncertainly head on.  On top of that, I know many of you are being asked to juggle more than ever including stepping into unfamiliar roles.

This is also true for all of us at Why Me.  Since its inception in 1985, Why Me and Sherry’s House has existed to facilitate personal connections and in-person support for families with childhood cancer. We have had to find new ways to re-imagine these connections and assistance.  Over the last couple of months, we have had to alter how we provide our services:  maintaining relationships with our families through email and phone calls.  We have taken our support groups virtual-so that families can stay connected and we have continued to think outside the box for other ways to help make families smile and create a few fun memories along the way.

As we look to the future, we have had to make some difficult decisions regarding some of our events in the coming months.  While we remain committed to helping our families, it is in everyone’s best interest that we cancel all major events through the end of the year.  This includes our Spree Day, Halloween Party, and Annual Holiday Party.  We feel that it would be irresponsible and unsafe to host traditional gatherings for our families.  However, we already have some truly fun and creative ideas in the works so that we can still celebrate these special holidays in safe and unique ways.  We will be in touch in the coming months with details and specifics for each new and re-imagined celebration.  Our number one priority continues to be our dedication to our Why Me families and providing assistance during such a trying time in your life.  While the Covid-19 pandemic may last longer than we initially thought, we are not going anywhere either.  We remain committed to mission of providing love and support for families battling childhood cancer.  While things may look a bit different this year, we will still provide countless opportunities for our children and families to create everlasting memories!

One final note I want to include is another change in the coming months.  I am expecting baby #3 come early September and will be going on maternity leave at that time.  The remainder of the Why Me staff is set to step in and provide direct support to our families in my absence.  All virtual support groups and direct family assistance will continue as planned.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the office for any needs you might have or you can email Rebecca Kuczarski at rkuczarski@whyme.org  While I will periodically check email, I encourage to you to reach out Rebecca or the office staff.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me over the next few weeks if you have any questions or concerns as my number one concern is to make sure all of our families continue to feel supported.

Thank you!

Danielle Sikonski, Director of Family Services

 

From time to time we also utilize our Facebook page to keep up to date with families.  Please consider following along.