July 9, 2009

Dear Friends,

Children are keys to paradise.

Eric Hoffer, Author, Longshoreman

We feel that way about our children, don't we? That is we do, when they are fed, bathed, read to, tucked in and tuckered out; when their cheeks are rosy and the day's petulance at rest. Children, when in safe environments and pleasing us with tolerable temperaments, are like cuddled puppies: keys to contentment and, in the case of beloved children, an expression of paradise.

Like the quote by Eric Hoffer, all idyllic notions are subject to exceptions and when it comes to children, REACH works year around with the latter. Our children, mostly members of loving families, are the unwitting keys to great sorrows of life. Children suffering with HIV/AIDS seldom sleep rosy cheeked, seldom experience life without pain, without fatigue, without the awareness that something in their lives is very, very wrong, very, very requiring, and sometimes, quite hellish rather than paradise.

Once this truth is understood, once we acknowledge that it isn't ease that amounts to paradise, then we at REACH can say that Hoffer is right. Our children are keys to paradise and we will soon see the truth of that when 350 children and family members gather over Labor Day week for Camp.

Wheelchairs, vomiting, repetitive medicine regimens, weaknesses, wheezing, and real limitations are met by energy and enthusiasm, renewed friendships and needed memorials, by art and activities, by dancing and defining for parents, options open to them by crazy, beloved counselors and caring professionals ever involved in making camp unforgettable. Camp, the entry point for year round care, is designed for suffering children who are for us the keys to paradise.

We at REACH work hard, to bring them love, hope and courage. Sadly, because of the downturn of the economy, this year for every child we bring to camp, four will be turned away. Consequently, I cannot ask strongly enough - please, if you are already giving, give a little more. If you have not yet given to the work of REACH, please do give what you can now and throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Susan K. Slonaker

P.S. Please help us by giving at online; the Combined Funds Drive: REACH charity #1478845; through the United Way and matching gifts at your workplace. Send us your email address so we can send the monthly letter to you!