Greetings,
I am sure we are all looking forward to the beginning of summer, time outside and a return to familiar gatherings. It has been a long fifteen months for all of us and with the lifting of most state Covid restrictions, I am pleased to announce that Sherry’s House will be open again as of June 1st. We are excited to welcome back our Why Me Families, volunteers and donors. There will be a period of adjustment as we all find our comfort zone and return to normal activities. For the past 36 years, Why Me’s purpose has been to facilitate personal connections and support for families with childhood cancer. While we have managed to do that from a distance over the past year and half, we realize that many families are ready for face-to-face, in-person contact with Why Me staff and other families.
We will be following the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s updated requirements for healthcare settings and those working with vulnerable populations and ask you to please wear a mask when you arrive to enter Sherry’s House. As always, please exercise prudent judgement when coming to the house. If you are ill or suspect that you have had contact with someone who has been exposed to Covid-19, please postpone your visit.
For our families: The summer will see a gradual return to in-person meetings, support groups and gatherings. Please be patient as this will be a work in progress and subject to review. Due to a fragmented school year, many of our families may have children in summer school. Many of you may choose to travel for the first time. We will advise you in the coming weeks of upcoming events but here are a few upcoming and outdoors. We are planning to have our annual Bravehearts baseball outing at Fitton field and Spree Day at the 200 Sportsman’s Club with the dates to be determined. We will also have Carnival Day on August 1st at the 228 in Sterling.
For our Volunteers: We will require volunteers to be vaccinated to serve at family events and in the house. Volunteers wishing to participate should provide a copy of their vaccination card for their confidential file with Ginette, Director of Volunteers, and discuss any related issues with her. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in helping to keep our families safe and comfortable.
For our Donors: Donors will once again be allowed back into the office, we just ask that you wear a mask when arriving. For those not ready to come inside, we will also continue to leave our first parking space open for curbside donation drop-offs. You do not need an appointment in advance but if you’d like to make one, please visit our website or click here.
We are looking forward to seeing our volunteers return and families on the playground. Thank you all for your perseverance and patience. We look forward to better days ahead and new memories everlasting!
Be well,
David Hagan, Executive Director