The Intuitive griever
Throughout my entire career, even in University, I worked or volunteered for non-profit organizations. They inspired me with their determination to create change for the greater good. And I knew, one day, I would lead a charity or non-profit organization. After all my years of experience, my contacts, my network, my learnings, I would also lead in creating change. I just didn’t know what exactly I would focus on. Was it world hunger? Climate change? Equity and inclusion? Never in a million years did I think that I would start a charity focused on pediatric cancer because of personal experience and heartache.
It wasn’t until Penn came home from Rotary Flames house, that I registered Penn the Brave as a charity in Alberta. Penn the Brave has been instrumental in my healing. Of course there is a term for it - the intuitive griever. I express my grief through affect. Devoting energy into helping others, is helping me heal.
In just over two months, our little charity has raised $16k. We have circulated over 200 ice cream scoop cards, nearly 100 pints of ice cream, donated 56 books and partnered with fifteen organizations and/or local businesses. And I am incredibly proud of what our organization has done in a short period of time. Because while I was in the midst of my waves of grief, I faced hurdles as an intuitive griever. Many people didn’t think I couldn’t do this. I wasn’t taken seriously. I was told I shouldn’t start a charity. Instead of lifting me up, these people were trying to take me down. They didn’t believe in my abilities, and most importantly didn’t allow me to grieve the way I needed to. I was painful.
Being a visible minority and a person of colour. Being female. Being a mom. Being told I’m too young and unexperienced. I was so sick and tired out hearing about these barriers. I decided, I can no longer be silenced. And in a way, Penn the Brave has really created this space for me to grow, be adventurous, take those chances. It has given me a voice and a platform for those affected by pediatric cancer.
Those of you reading this blog post - I cannot begin to express how thankful and appreciative you have been, supporting me on this journey. It’s still quite shocking how Penn the Brave is known to people that I haven’t even personally met. And how many have reached out and said how they’re so touched with what our charity is doing and our family’s story. I’ve gotten to know a few families too, with their children impacted by cancer, and that is what drives me every single day to keep going. Penn is no longer physically with me, but there is something I can do for those families impacted by cancer. I will do my very best to help those on this journey.
Paige insisted we take a mom and daughter pic.