It’s that wonderful time of year when the kids are out of school, parents are juggling camps, activities, and vacations. Most of us are enjoying BBQs and warm days. Summer is here and I hope this is a time of enjoyment for our friends, supporters, and families. I know when my children were younger, summer meant a welcomed departure from our over-scheduled routines. I loved them being out of school and the break from homework, sports teams, and regular activities. It was more enjoyable to spend uninterrupted time with them. No cares nor worries! Until they got bored, then we counted the days for school to start.
Unfortunately, summer also conjures some other memories for me that are not so pleasant… losing Mario. Thirteen years ago there was a real pause where it seems as though everything stopped - At least the life we knew. I was in a complete haze and in a permanent state of exhaustion all while trying to keep it together for our two young children. Those days of carefree living would now be a very distant memory. I will never be able to explain or articulate clearly how desperately overwhelmed and scared I felt. Life did not go as planned. In fact, it felt as though it cruelly deviated from what was supposed to be. Life felt uncertain and erratic. And yet, I also remember feeling so blessed and grateful for my parents, so many good friends, and our Marine Corps/military community that surrounded us and kept me going. We felt (and still do) so loved and supported and it has made all the difference in the world especially now thirteen years later.
Our friends, especially from the military, community literally saved me and gave us the ability to move forward in life. They enabled us to make a solid transition while feeling stable, secure and loved.
For me, I take those memories and pour them into our work on a daily basis. It is an innate but necessary function. Our Team equally works to instill in our families that same sense of support that was extended to us. We want them to know they have a network that is going to be there for the long haul in the hopes that they too will forge a new path that will lead them to a sense of peace, happiness, and fulfillment. Simply put, because they deserve it!
To better understand this incredible sense of loss, we invite you to read about the heroes on our new Honor Wall. Their service and the sacrifice of the families left behind are why we do what we do!
Thirteen years later and I am in awe of how much my life has changed. My children make me so proud and I am certain Mario has brought incredible people into our lives so our own paths continue to evolve and flow. I know we are still incredibly blessed. I never could have imagined I would not only be running a foundation but one that is steadily expanding. This past year has been an incredible year of growth for us with our Team, program offerings, partnerships, and the number of families we are serving. We hear daily from more and more spouses inquiring about our programs, facing specific challenges, and needing support. As such, we are working to ensure we are assisting as many as possible.
One of our most utilized programs is our Financial Assistance Employment Program. Many of our spouses deal with additional trauma and financial constraints when losing their service member. Sometimes they have to step away from the workforce and careers as their children need them, they are trying to get their lives back on track or simply the loss has taken an emotional and physical toll on their health. This is completely understandable and in an effort to best serve our spouses, we have recently updated our Employment Assistance support so they feel they are receiving more individualized attention and can attain a position that best meets their current needs.
Additionally, we are working on more virtual workshops and in-person events. We have some amazing partnerships with organizations and companies that understand the needs of our community and want to help our families.
Although we are grateful for these opportunities, we are equally appreciative of the contributions we receive through donations, grants, sponsors, and fundraisers. Thank you to all who have supported our work and are helping us give back to our families!
We hope you will check out our new Sponsor Page. These contributions are needed as we continue to grow and serve more families throughout the United States. I am personally grateful. Please know you are helping make a real impact and changing the trajectory of our families lives.
With July on the horizon, we are promoting the annual Sugar Bear Virtual Memorial Run as this very special tribute raises funds for programs that support Marines and our families. I know Sugar Bear would be honored. It really is the best way to celebrate his life and to continue his legacy of service. I hope you will take part and help us spread the word.
Additionally, please see the special offer from Kendra Scott and the beautiful jewelry pieces they put together for us. Funds raised from their sale will go directly toward our programs.
Spouses, as always, we ask that you reach out to us at Admin@TheSugarBearFoundation.org with any questions or needs you might have (make sure to check your spam folder too) and if you have not already done so, please take our survey so we can best assist you and your family. Be on the lookout for more virtual workshops and local events we are currently planning!
To our friends and supporters again I cannot thank you enough. Although my days are long and spent sitting at my desk, attending events and meetings, I feel incredibly fulfilled and blessed for the work we are doing and to have this opportunity to give back to the families who have given their all.
Thank you,
Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star wife/President
