Thanks to the internet and social media, I recently met an incredible woman, Lorraine Kerz, who took the experience of losing her son to cancer and turned it into a mission to help others. I wanted to let others know about the great work she is doing so Lorraine kindly agreed to a blog interview.
Lorraine, can you please tell us about Sy’s Fund, who it serves and how it works?
Sy’s Fund serves young adults throughout the USA, ages 18 through 39, with cancer or serious ongoing medical issues related to their cancer. We fund meaningful gifts and integrative therapies, tangible things with the goal of making an extremely challenging time a bit easier. Some of the gifts we have funded over this past year have been laptops, iPads, shopping trips, and a bike to name a few.
Life changes so drastically after a cancer diagnosis. For young adults who are busy dating, going to college, partying with friends, starting families, and moving along with careers, this is devastating. Cancer often brings fear, isolation, and the reality that much is now beyond their control. To a young adult who is hospitalized frequently, a gift like a laptop can make a world of difference. This enables them to stay in touch with family and friends, watch videos and play online games, reach out to other young adults with cancer through social sites, and stay involved with what is going on around them.
Who inspired you to create it?
Sy ~ "On A Good Day"
Sy’s Fund was inspired by my son Silas “Sy” River Bennett, who was diagnosed with late stage cancer four days before his 29th birthday. Silas fought his cancer with the same tenacity, humor, and courage in which he lived life before cancer.
Sy was a generous young man who always lent a shoulder to lean on for those who needed it. He was passionate about social change and about making a difference in the world. Silas taught me so much about life and living it to the fullest.
During his illness, he never failed to say “thank you” to those around him no matter how sick he was, be it family or friends visiting, or a random stranger who held the elevator door open for him.
After his death, I was lost and heartbroken. During Sy’s illness, he and I spoke of how often we are not given a choice as to what we are handed in life, only in how we choose to deal with those things. Silas chose a positive attitude and caring spirit, and I am able to carry his legacy forward through Sy’s Fund.
How did you get started?
I talked with a close friend who really believed in what I was doing. She was instrumental in helping to get the fund off of the ground. We brainstormed, filled out paperwork, met with a lawyer, and brought people onto the original board of directors.
I spoke to other people who had started nonprofits and got ideas and inspiration to keep going. I ran ideas past the young adult cancer community. I ignored the people who said “this can’t be done,” or who thought this was some crazy way I was dealing with the grief of losing Silas, and that I would “get over it.”
Check back in on Friday for part two of my interview with Lorraine to find out how she overcame the obstacles she faced while launching Sy’s Fund reality and learn more about how you can help.
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Lorraine provides us with the absolutely perfect model. (No, I am not saying she is perfect- I don’t know her. But, her concept is one that should inspire all.) Instead of wallowing in grief and blaming the world (or the Creator), she elected to use the energy of grief to make the world a better place for those going through the same trials and tribulations as her child.
My hat would be off to you- but, it’s not quite baseball season yet, so I have not yet so donned.
But, I truly commend you, Lorraine- and for the example you provide me and many others.
Agree with Roy about Lorraine. What positive action can you take to move forward with your life during and after tragedy.
The line that really touched me though was “During his illness, he never failed to say “thank you” to those around him no matter how sick he was, be it family or friends visiting, or a random stranger who held the elevator door open for him.”
This was a lovely boy who knew that gratitude in the face of trauma helps everyone
Lorraine is such and inspiration to be able to take her loss and create this great cause for other so benefit in honor of her son.
Congratulations Lorraine and this was a wonderful interview. Thank you so much for giving hope to myself and others.
Cindy
Tambre, you bring so many amazing people to the forefront with your interviews!
What a wonderful story of a family who carry on living from love despite such heartbreak.
Lorraine is really inspiring with her abilty to find supportive people to surround herself with and to ignore those who said it ‘can’t be done’.
Blessings to every one involved in such a compassionate undertaking.
Oh my Tambre, I am in tears, my son is 18 and I couldn’t even imagine what Lorraine went through. Thank you for sharing her story and her awesome courage for Sy’s Fund is incredible gift to others. Her sacrifice is others comfort.
Thank you for sharing Lorraine’s story, Tambre. I think it is a wonderful idea to give these young cancer patients laptops, iPads, etc.
God bless Lorraine for the good work she is doing.
You make such an important point, Roy…we get to choose what we do with the energy of grief. There is so much evidence that helping others has a profound impact on us being able to tap into physiological responses to help us experience more peace and happiness. An important element for grief recovery.
What caught your attention, Roberta, is a beautiful quality in Sy and so many others who face the journey of the cancer experience. Out of great physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenge, I witness grace, courage and gratitude. Thank you for your wonderfully written comment.
Reading about the journeys of others through challenging times IS such an inspiration and absolutely gives us a view on what is possible to birth from challenge. I agree, Cindy…inspiration and possibility are something to stock up on.
The deeper I go into this community of those whose lives are touched by cancer, the more I am moved to share their stories. There are so many great takeaways from people like Lorraine when they share their experience. Thanks for taking time to read and comment, Bonnie as this story really struck a chord with me.
Lynn, I can imagine how that would hit home for you. Lorraine is a reminder that even through the most challenging loss, purpose can be found and a difference can be made. I love what you wrote ~ “Her sacrifice is others comfort.” So beautiful.
Simple, practical solutions to help overcome the isolating elements of going through cancer are so right on point as you highlighted, Janette. One of the things that makes this such an important cause.