When the last Our House Run For Hope was held in April, 2019, prior to Covid, I never imagined I’d be participating this year’s Run in memory of both my sisters, Karen Minsberg and Charlene Griffith.

Karen died in December, 2019, from Cancer, and Charlene died on March 4 of this year, from complications from surgery and Covid.  Karen was a smart, kick-ass, passionate woman who introduced me to old movies and shared my love of theater.  Charlene was the friendliest, kindest person you could meet, and a loving mother, wife and grandmother.  Both were my big sisters and my friends.  It had always been Annie’s three girls.  I’m stunned and devasted that now, it’s just me.

I was introduced to Our House Grief Support  Center almost 25 years ago, when my partner, Chris Idoine, died.  I found such comfort in my every-other Tuesday night Young Widows’ Group.  Five of us are still friends, meeting via zoom one or twice a month. Now, we chat about life, traveling, families, relationships, and since we’re now the Not-So-Young Widows’ groups, our ailments.

Our House continues to have age-specific and loss specific bereavement groups at a sliding scale so it’s affordable for everyone.  They also host Camp Erin for bereaved children every year.

So this year, I hope you will help me raise money for this worthwhile organization and honor the memory of my sisters, Karen Minsberg and Charelene Minsberg Griffith.

Thank you.