A background into who we are and why we are contacting you.
Jacinta`s Smile is a new organisation founded by three sisters fromCo.Roscommon in memory of our beautiful sister Jacinta, who tragically passed away unexpectedly in January of last year due to a brain aneurysm. Jacinta was only 30 and left behind her lovely son Ethan who is 11.
Us three, Aishleen, Katie-Anne and Charlotte O’Toole recently ran the Dublin City Marathon on the 30th October 2016 and despite not being able to run for a bus we managed to get around the course.
As like any event such as this fundraising and sponsorship takes place in aid of a chosen charity. Whilst researching a charity of our choice we decidedthat the money raised from our events should go towards those brothers and sisters that have sadly have lost a sibling as there are none others specifically catering to this group.
Sadly in May 1996 we also lost our cheeky little brother Declan to a Malignant Brain Tumour, having just turned 7.
Being twenty years since the passing of Declan and ranging from ages 3- 13 when he passed we know only too well how it felt to be raised and cared for by parents that have lost a child and as brothers and sisters that have lost one of our own.
The money raised in honor of Jacinta`s Smilewill be to bring groups of children that have lost a sibling from 8-16, to Delphi Mountain Resort in Connemara where they will be celebrated, heard and thought of through a range of fun and fresh activities.
On this action packed day the children will feel empowered to engage with others in a similar headspace to theirs as they move gently through their loss, this allows them to feel understood and most importantly not alone in their sadness.
We know as adults how important it is to have something to look forward to and to explore our growth so it is imperative that Jacinta’s Smile can offer the children a sense of achievement, belonging and something positive to look forward to.
We also understand that grief stays with you for life and it may not represent itself until the child grows up. It is so important that these children get as much support as possible during these difficult times.
This is where we are looking for your help. We have now enough money to run with this so,
We are reaching out to find the children and siblings that can benefit from this activity day. We are looking to reach out to families and friends that know of siblings that can avail of this free and fun support.
The last day of application is March 13th and the day od activities in Delphi is April 15th.
For now we are looking in the West of Ireland and hope that in the very near future this opportunity can be expanded to the nation.
We are aregistered charity (registered number CHY19275) with Vita House in Roscommon. Vita House provides counselling services and space to families.
We would really appreciate any help you can provide in raising awareness of our search.
Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you,
Warm Wishes,
Katie-Anne OToole
On behalf of Jacinta’s Smile
Contact Details:087 422 00 00
Email:
Jacinta / The O’Toole Children(Declan front right) / Aishleen, Katie-Anne & Charlotte