Today, we give the floor to Kelly Syferd, our newest Board Member, and (she didn’t know I was going to do this) our 2001 Women’s MJB Golf For Joy Handicap Champion.
I told Kelly earlier this month that the day she decided to come on board was one of my happiest ever for The MJB Foundation. I think you’ll all recognize why as she shares her story and invites you to join us for Bowl for Joy 2011.
Without further ado – Welcome Kelly Syferd!
Twelve years ago my husband and I met Jim and Annette Brochowski and we became instant friends. We all worked together at the Columbus Library. We went to lunch together and hung out on the weekends. Annette had casually mentioned to us that we should come out to the MJB. My husband and I both looked at each other questioning what the MJB could possibly be. We did not know the story of Meghan Joy until that day and did not realize the impact one little girl could have on us, especially since we had never met her.
I joined the MJB Foundation Board last year and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love being a part of a Board that shares the Joy of Meghan’s life by reaching out to children with challenges. This year, being part of the MJB Foundation hits a little closer to home for my family as our son, Ryan, was diagnosed with Autism. This was not a surprise to us as we have been working tirelessly with Ryan throughout the years, but we have our own daily challenges. We are the lucky ones because even though we have everyday challenges to make our son’s life better, it also comes with great Joy to help Ryan overcome those obstacles. We have been very fortunate to be able to provide the funding for Ryan’s therapies and other needs. The MJB Foundation strives to help those families who are not able to do that.
We look forward to the Golf for Joy and Bowl for Joy every year. We always have so much fun and it is a great way to be able to raise money towards such a wonderful Foundation.
Please join my family and the rest of the MJB Foundation family for the 2nd Annual Bowl for Joy on February 12, 2011. If you not able make it that day, please consider making a donation. Help us share our Joy with children with physical and mental challenges.