Edmarc

✨ New on the blog: Miscarriage and stillbirth are profoundly painful experiences, and helping children understand them can be challenging, especially when it’s about a sibling they anticipated with excitement. 💔 With open, age-appropriate conversations, you can support your child through their grief, helping them process emotions, build resilience, and grow in empathy. 🌈

Read our latest guide for navigating these sensitive conversations. https://ow.ly/R4xy50TVzzo

Takeyah Powell and her family were part of our Bridges of Hope perinatal support program while she was pregnant with her daughter, Tyrah This program supports families who learn that their baby may be born with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition, ensuring they don’t have to face the journey alone. For over 20 years, Edmarc has provided compassionate care and services at no cost, guiding families through pregnancy, birth, life, and, when necessary, loss, while honoring the baby and supporting the entire family. To learn more about the Powell's experience with Edmarc and Bridges of Hope, please read our latest blog post.
https://edmarc.org/honoring-our-wish-the-powell-family/

We had a colorful time yesterday at the Third Annual Furco Memorial Color Run! Edmarc was chosen as one of the beneficiaries, along with St. Baldrick's, by . It was such a special day honoring Abby, raising funds, and running through a rainbow. We’re so grateful to have been a part of this.

When a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness, it can be confusing and overwhelming for children. They may not fully understand what is happening, but they feel the emotional weight of the situation. As adults, we can help guide them through this difficult time by offering support, understanding, and a safe space to express their emotions.
Read our latest blog https://ow.ly/14ew50TLTMp to discover important ways to support children during these challenging moments. 💙

When we think of hospice care, it’s often in the context of adults, but children’s hospice care has unique qualities that set it apart. At Edmarc, we specialize in meeting the distinct needs of children with life-limiting conditions and supporting their families through every step of the journey. 💙 From longer care durations to emotional support for siblings and parents, pediatric hospice is designed to provide comprehensive care focused on enhancing quality of life.

Visit https://ow.ly/Shsm50TGea5 to learn more about how hospice for children differs from hospice for adults.

🌟 It's Pediatric Nurses Week, and Edmarc is proud to celebrate the incredible dedication of our pediatric nurses! 🌟 These compassionate professionals play a vital role in the lives of medically complex children and their families, offering not just medical care but also emotional support and hope. Whether it's managing pain, providing comfort, or navigating challenging diagnoses, our nurses are there every step of the way—bringing care and comfort into the homes of those who need it most.

Thank you to all pediatric nurses for your hard work, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children! 💙👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Did you know that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss? Many women experience more than one pregnancy or infant loss. We see you, and we remember your babies gone too soon. 💜

Join us in raising awareness and offering support to all the families who carry the weight of this heartbreaking journey.

We’re in need of volunteers to be Peace Pals, assisting with set-up, clean-up, and childcare for all upcoming sessions of our Peace by Peace program, beginning 10/10! This is a crucial role for our childhood grief program to ensure families have limited barriers to attending and walk in to a peaceful, comforting setting.

We also need to fill a few more spots for the Peace by Piece 25th Anniversary Celebration on 10/15. There are spots open for both set-up and clean-up as well as during the event.

Please contact Brittany for more information at 757-9674-9251 or [email protected].

It’s Wishlist Wednesday, and a touch of enchantment is in the air! On October 23, we shall conjure our Fall Fest, and to weave this magical tapestry, we seek craft supplies and decor inspired by the wondrous world of Harry Potter. Explore our special Fall Fest Wish List to discover the treasures we need to bring our vision to life! https://ow.ly/vzCG50TAzno
Each Wednesday, we illuminate essential items from our Wish Lists that directly empower our endeavors. Together, let us continue to share !

We’re excited to share our story, reflecting on our history and looking forward to the future. Our expansion into the Williamsburg, Gloucester, and New Kent regions has been part of our long-term vision to meet the growing needs of families across Virginia. A heartfelt thank you to the Hogge Family for their dedication and support over the years. Together, we continue to bring !

James City County couple who started pediatric hospice nonprofit glad for its expansion Edmarc recently opened a new Williamsburg office to reach residents of the city and surrounding counties, including James City, Gloucester, Mathews, Charles City and New Kent.

Urgent: Peace Pal Needed Tonight!

We need a Peace Pal this evening to assist another volunteer with logistics and childcare! If you already have a background check with Edmarc and are available to help, please reach out to Brittany at [email protected].

Thank you for your support!

🦃🎁🎅🏾🤶🏾🎄

Edmarc is dedicated to providing compassionate care to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The holiday season can be an especially trying time as these families navigate the emotional and physical demands of their child's illness. Edmarc families deserve as much holiday magic in their lives as possible, and we need your help to make that happen!

Support a family this season by providing a holiday meal, shopping for gifts for a patient and his or her siblings, or helping prepare and deliver meal baskets.

Sign up by contacting Brittany Boylan at 757-967-9251 or [email protected] OR register online at https://edmarc.org/2024-holiday-sponsorship-form/.

In November, we will hold our annual Day of Remembrance to honor and remember the children we've lost along the journey. Each year, we provide families with keepsakes, and this year we could use your help in purchasing materials for these special mementos. We are in need of amethyst beads from our wish list so our volunteers can begin creating these keepsakes. You can find the beads and other needed items on our Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/KT05ARC0B0WX?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_2

Every Wednesday, we’ll spotlight key items from our Wish Lists that directly support our programs. Let’s continue spreading !

For 25 years, Edmarc and Jewish Family Service of Tidewater (JFS) have jointly operated Peace by Piece. It's history is a testament to the unity of the community, ensuring that every child finds comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone in their sorrow. Join us in celebrating our collective achievements and recognizing the individuals who have played a crucial role in our success. Show your support for the work done to help grieving children in our community by sponsoring or purchasing tickets this special evening.

Call our office at 757-967-9251 or visit us online at https://edmarc.org/peace-by-piece-25th-anniversary/.

Being a caregiver for a child with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness comes with immense emotional and physical demands. It's easy to focus solely on the child and family, but your well-being matters too! Remember, caring for yourself is not selfish—it's essential to provide the best care possible. 💙 Check out our latest blog for supportive strategies to help you care for yourself while supporting pediatric patients and their families.

https://edmarc.org/caring-for-the-caregiver-self-care-tips-for-pediatric-caregivers/

We are so grateful for the individuals who came out to our Peace by Piece training this past weekend. These new volunteer facilitators spent three days learning about the program, ways to support children through their grief, and how to encourage healthy coping with their grief.

Peace by Piece is a community grief program, put on by Edmarc and Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, that offers support groups where children and teens who have experienced the death of a loved one can process their grief with others who understand. This program would not be possible without our volunteers who dedicate two evenings a month during the school year to these kids. Their selfless commitment to these children and families is priceless.

🌟 September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 🌟

Let’s come together to raise awareness, spread hope, and support the brave children and families facing the battle against childhood cancer. 🎗️ Every story, every voice, and every bit of support matters in the fight for a cure. 💛 Together, we can make a difference!

🏌️‍♂️ Tee Sponsor Opportunity! 🏌️‍♀️

Support the Inaugural Williamsburg Charity Golf Classic by becoming a Tee Sponsor! Promote your brand while supporting a great cause. Secure your spot today!

https://edmarc.org/williamsburg-charity-golf-classic-sponsorship/

When we think of healthcare for children, routine check-ups and vaccinations often come to mind. But for some families, the journey is more complex, involving serious illnesses that need specialized care. Pediatric palliative care is a compassionate, multidisciplinary service dedicated to the overall well-being of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. To learn more about what it means to have a child in palliative care visit our latest blog post. https://edmarc.org/what-does-pediatric-palliative-care-mean/

Last call!!!

Don't forget to grab your "Honoring Grief, Peace by Piece" shirts! Campaign ends tomorrow. All proceeds are given directly to Edmarc to support programs like our children's grief group.

https://www.bonfire.com/peace-by-piece-2/

Spread a little magic... ✨🏕

August 16th-18th, eight families and 30 dedicated volunteers gathered at Camp M.A.G.I.C., Edmarc's annual grief camp, for an unforgettable experience. Campers joined small groups to process their grief and learn coping skills alongside others who truly understand. Families spent quality time together, deepening their understanding of each other's grief while making new memories. A Saturday night bonfire, complete with s'mores, brought warmth and connection to all. On Sunday, families participated in a heartfelt, child-led remembrance service for their loved ones, leaving camp with a renewed sense of hope and healing.

Thanks to Tidewater Children's Foundation and Triple-S Steel for underwriting this event, allowing families to attend for free, and Triple R Ranch for being such amazing hosts!

Caring for a child with a life-limiting illness is an emotional journey filled with challenges. Pediatric hospice services offer comprehensive support, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for both the child and their family. Our latest blog post provides guidance on navigating these complexities, ensuring your loved one receives the best care possible during this difficult time. 💙

Read more: https://edmarc.org/caring-for-your-child-during-hospice-care/

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Edmarc is partnering with Fink's Jewelers to raffle off a stunning Roberto Coin diamond necklace and earrings set valued at $2,700 during our Williamsburg Charity Golf Classic! 💎✨

🎟️ Tickets are just $20 each and are available now until September 13 in person at the Edmarc offices or by calling 757-967-9251. You can also grab your tickets at the Williamsburg Charity Golf Classic on September 24.

Don't miss your chance to win this beautiful set while supporting a great cause! 🙌

Compassion and Fashion Make a Difference 💜👚

Grief is a natural part of life, yet it can be challenging to handle alone. That is why Edmarc and Jewish Family Service created Peace by Piece, a community grief program.

For 25 years, Edmarc, in partnership with Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, has offered this child-focused support group to kids within the community who have experienced the death of a loved one.

Twice a month for as long as they need, children can play, talk, engage in activities, and interact with other peers who know what they are going through. This peer-to-peer support and interaction helps kids ease their sense of isolation and helps the slow but sure process of healing begin.

Support this program by purchasing shirts and sweatshirts now through August 30th! Various colors and styles are available in children and adult sizes.

https://www.bonfire.com/peace-by-piece-2/