Kate’s Club Memory Walk

This November, I am proud to participate in the Kate’s Club Memory Walk. Kate’s Club is an organization that is near and dear to my heart. They offer support for children who are grieving the death of a parent or sibling.

I lost my mom at 14 years old. It seems like a lifetime ago now but it can also seem like yesterday. A class trip to Washington D.C. in the eighth grade was cut short when I learned of her hospitalization.  I will never forget the day that I visited her in the hospital and said my goodbyes at her bedside. It was scary, sad and something no child should have to experience. It forever shaped my life. Although I grew up with many wonderful friends and family after her death, I would have loved something as impactful as Kate’s Club.

I stumbled upon Kate’s Club years ago while looking for ways to get involved in the Atlanta community. I did not realize that God was leading me to an organization that would become a beautiful blessing.

Did you know that one in thirteen children in Georgia will suffer the loss of a parent or sibling by age 18? That is roughly 111,000 kids in Metro Atlanta. Kate’s Club is the only organization in the area that provides long-term therapeutic and recreational support for these children.

Kate’s Club offers fun clubhouse days, exciting outings, and camp twice a year.  So, children who have suffered the loss of a parent, sibling, or caretaker, can bond with other children who have similar experiences.  The programming is free of charge.

Each year, the Atlanta community honors and advocates for these kids at Memory Walk. Normally, it is a family-friendly 2k that creates awareness around childhood grief.  This year, due to COVID-19, it will be a little bit different. Participants can participate individually or form a team. They can walk, run, cycle, or even dance to honor the families in this organization. There will be a Kate’s Club virtual closing ceremony on November 8.

For more info about Kate’s Club Memory Walk or to visit my fundraising page, click this link!

Thank you for reading about my journey with Kate’s Club.

-Ashley Schiavone