I am running (or trotting) a half marathon to raise money for Team Lifeline in honor of a little girl I never had the privilege to meet.

When I moved to Fair Lawn, NJ. I met so many nice families. One of the kindest, most welcoming, funny families was the Spangenthals.

I also learned there was a family in town who lost their daughter Sophie from a rare form of lung cancer a few years earlier, but I didn't know who the family was. I assumed it would be parents who were bitter, angry and broken. That's how I thought I would be should I ever, God forbid, go through a heart shattering challenge like that.

It turns out it was our wonderful friends Jenny and David Spangethal. I don't think it is a coincidence. From what I learned about Sophie is she exuded kindness and caring, even for kids who shared a hospital ward with her.

How awesome it is that grief and trauma can lead to personal growth. How important a lesson it is for me as someone who is both grieving the loss of my father who loved so much and a therapist who helps people dealing with grief and trauma.

On a particularly challenging day, David dropped off his son for a playdate with my son. I asked him to come in for coffee. Even though he and his kid were in their pajamas, he joined me. He sat with me on the floor of my daughters room and gave me comfort that only could be given by someone who knows grief personally.

That is the day I feel like I met Sophie.

And the day I decided to join Team Lifeline. The way they not only help children going through terminal illness, but their families too. The parents who may need financial help. A camp for these kids with complex medical needs and so much more.

In the merit of your taking care of these families by giving any ammount you can or want, may you and your family know nothing but happiness and health.

Love,

Elliot