To our Beloved Community,
We at Send It hope you and your families are safe and secure, wherever you are. Unusual times challenge organizations to make tough decisions, focus on guiding values, shift directions and stay closely connected as a community. All of us are understandably preoccupied with the Coronavirus for the risks it poses to our health, the fear it has and will continue to induce upon us, and the resulting negative impact that it will have across the global economy. We want to provide an update on how the Send It Foundation is responding to the pandemic as we move through these challenging times.
We want you to know that the Send It Board of Directors and team leaders are fully committed to the people we serve and to fulfilling our Send It mission: to inspire positivity, courage and gratitude in young adult cancer fighters through the gift of outdoor adventure and community.
Send It serves young adult cancer fighters and survivors; a high-risk population even before the Covid-19 virus. During this global pandemic, our participants, already at greater risk for isolation, depression, and negative health outcomes need Send It support more than ever. The physical distancing and isolation necessary to stop the spread of the virus can intensify the feelings of loneliness and the need for support for those with underlying health risks.
Our devoted Send It team is forming new ways to inspire positivity, courage and gratitude through the gift of community as we adapt to these times of uncertainty. We see this as an opportunity to engage and support our community from afar: providing resources, inspiration, virtual space for important conversations and connection, and online yoga and meditation. We want to keep in touch with our community and express our thanks to people like you who share, support, and realize how extraordinary Send It is.
Safety is our highest priority and we are doing our part to prevent the spread of the virus. With that, Send It adventure programs are temporarily suspended to comply with the national and local safety measures mandated. We do not have clarity as to the length of the pause, so we are monitoring the filled up trips scheduled for the remainder of the year. Our team is working hard to keep all participants informed and updated as information evolves.
In-person fundraising activities have also necessarily been paused, such as the Race for Send It at Bay to Breakers. Our team is brainstorming new ways to continue the fundraising momentum with virtual activities. Stay tuned for more information to stay involved. Donations to support the Send It mission can be made here.
In the meantime, take care of one another. We are here for you. We are in this together, and we are working hard to make Send It everything we dreamed it can be.
With love and gratitude,
Katie Schou, Executive Director and Mary McLain, Board Chair
