The TEARS Foundation was founded in 2002. Amber Chau began the Hill Country Chapter in August 2017 in honor of her daughter, Madison, who died of SIDS at two months old.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize the children and families affected by the disease and emphasize the importance of supporting research. While observation events are somber in nature, in Georgetown, the Hill Country TEARS Foundation is helping meet the needs of all bereaved families with a Rock & Walk event October 16.
COMPASSION
The TEARS Foundation exists to provide ongoing education and resources for families, and bereavement care after the loss of a baby or child. Their mission and vision is the health and well-being of families on their journeys to recovery. The foundation offers various types of virtual support—trained Peer Companions talk, listen and counsel over the phone and accommodations are provided for the deaf and to Spanish-speakers.
Families can also receive compassionate support via e-mail and Hill Country Founder Amber Chau reports many local groups are on track to re-instate in-person groups this Fall. Amber says, “The goal of the foundation is to build a caring community of families, professionals, and community members. The overall wellness of the family of a baby that has gone too soon is of utmost importance.”
Another tier of support is TEARS Foundation’s offer of financial assistance for final arrangements and funeral arrangements for those gone too soon.
LOCAL HEROES
Each year The TEARS Foundation also recognizes professionals in our community who go above and beyond to help a bereaved family during their time of need. Nominees for Heroes of Service may be first-responders, firefighters, nurses, EMT, chaplains, and doctors. Each will receive a letter and notification that they may be chosen to be this year’s Hero at the Georgetown Rock & Walk.
The heart of the Rock & Walk is to let bereaved families know they are not alone. The Foundation strives to build awareness about pregnancy, infant, and child loss by bringing the community together to support these families. Participants rock in chairs or walk laps together to honor the children whose names appear on butterflies lining the path and are reminded that we can find hope.
Visit TheTEARSFoundation.org to nominate a hero, apply to be a VolunTEAR, apply for services or donate, and scan the code for information about the Georgetown event. Early Bird registration is $5 through August 31 and $10 until the event date. Contributions help provide ongoing bereavement care and the overall wellness of families grieving the loss of a child.