The Neda Fund

05/01/2018

Coming up on our 7th Anniversary.

01/04/2018

When Neda died, I was surprised by my hitherto unknown ability to remove the grief from the moment, in the moment, and to focus on the moment itself.

From this trait I learned that from great loss comes remarkable wisdom, and that the kindness we receive, from those who stand with us in moments of exceptional misfortune, is a prompt to remember - and to pass on - this wisdom, when similar circumstances present.

I was reminded today of a good friend's grief. He'd lost a son not too long ago - a son who'd've celebrated his birthday today - the first since his departure.

His dad was understandably troubled by the occasion.

I sent him a note, assuring him that these milestones & anniversaries are acutely painful at first but, over time, these commemorations - particularly those of arrival & departure - dissolve, and become an almost wonderful opportunity to recharge reminiscences attendant upon days such as these.

Happy New Year.

10/26/2017

Hey folks, this past Oct 19th was/would've been Neda's 13th Birthday, which would mean she's been gone longer than she was here. Time is a strange thing.
I've been in touch of late, with a mother from my neck of the woods, who recently lost her daughter, and who I've sought to assure that the keenness of loss loses its edge over time.
I still pay my regular visits to Neda at the Breachway, and we have our chats - one-sided as they may be. I must say that, over the years, she's become an excellent listener, and a marvelously moderating influence. For those acquainted with grievous loss, I can tell you that it get's less bad...

08/03/2017

Hello, all...
These periodic prompts from FB, to post from time to time, are food for thought.
Of late, I'm engrossed in the matter of the teacher in Westerly who has recently returned to work after a lengthy medical leave.
Had her hiatus been occasioned by a diabetic, coronary or ontological condition, I have no doubt that the blow-back against her return would have been more empathetic & humane...
As a parent of a child who was possessed of multiple developmental disabilities, I feel obliged to stand up for folks beset by mental illness, which is no more or less dangerous than other, less mysterious maladies.

07/05/2017

Hey Folks... every now & then, Facebook reminds me that ive been neglecting you. Sorry bout that...
Anyway, I'm returning to the mornings hereabouts in Westerly... follow me at my fb page (Mark Sullivan) and at Westerly & Beyond)
It's gonna be fun.

06/07/2017

Hello all...

Neda's dad here.

It's been seven years, two weeks & three days since we lost our little bug, and about six years since I retired the fund and donated it to a local philanthropy.

I never took the page down for the same reason I ended the endeavor born of her memory.
It was just too hard.

I got a note today from Facebook today, saying that some of you were asking where we went.

We're still here, and we're ok.
Thanks.

05/21/2012

Tune into SOUNDINGS on WBLQ 1230AM & .net at 9AM EDT Monday 5.21.12 for a chat about EASTER SEALS, Special Needs Kids and an homage to the little bug on the anniversary of her passing.

Hello all...! Apologies for the silence emanating from Nedaville over the past few weeks. We strive to maintain a policy of saying nothing when there is nothing to say. The administrative rigmarole has been (rather successfully) navigated, and now, as we approach the Little Bug's Birthday next week, we are preparing a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT...
..but in the meantime, an unusual message floated over the transom this afternoon regarding our little girl, that we'd like to share:

When Neda passed, it was decided that she would be an organ/tissue donor. This was a strenuous experience--which is to be recommended, in spite of it all.

Today, this endorsement was duly validated in the form of a phone call from the New England Organ Bank (http://www.neob.org/ridla.htm) informing us that Neda's corneas were successfully transplanted into two recipients, each of whom have had their sight restored.

In tragedy's aftermath, it's healthy and helpful to persist in taking inventory of the inevitable silver linings...
..quod erat demonstratum.

Well talk again on Wednesday... Til then, know that, somewhere, a little bug is smiling...

12/17/2011

BIG DAY TODAY!!! Downtown Westerly Winterfest from 10-3...

WBLQ from AVES SPORTS across from The Rink from 3-9

SWING BY... SAY HI... SUPPORT THE NEDA FUND!!!
..and enjoy HUGE "NEDA FUND" DISCOUNTS
on NORTHFACE, UGGS & other great winter-wear at AVES SPORTS...

10/14/2011

Hello all...! Apologies for the silence emanating from Nedaville over the past few weeks. We strive to maintain a policy of saying nothing when there is nothing to say. The administrative rigmarole has been (rather successfully) navigated, and now, as we approach the Little Bug's Birthday next week, we are preparing a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT...
..but in the meantime, an unusual message floated over the transom this afternoon regarding our little girl, that we'd like to share:

When Neda passed, it was decided that she would be an organ/tissue donor. This was a strenuous experience--which is to be recommended, in spite of it all.

Today, this endorsement was duly validated in the form of a phone call from the New England Organ Bank (http://www.neob.org/ridla.htm) informing us that Neda's corneas were successfully transplanted into two recipients, each of whom have had their sight restored.

In tragedy's aftermath, it's healthy and helpful to persist in taking inventory of the inevitable silver linings...
..quod erat demonstratum.

Well talk again on Wednesday... Til then, know that, somewhere, a little bug is smiling...

09/23/2011

Our man Isaac, rockin' the Neda theme...!

Testing out the new Vox D10 amp and Shure PG58 Mic. My 3yr old son Isaac singing 3 little birds by Bob Marley.. I was trying to sing as quite as possible but...

09/23/2011

It's the equinox--the antipode to the solstice, and as such, a legitimate prompt to invoke the bug. The Dude & I'll be strolling down to the breachway presently, to pay a little visit; Joe & I'll swing by with the dawn. It's all good...

Many thanks to all... Condolences to my estimable friend, Ed Habarek, on the passing of his heroic father... Don't forget to like The Neda Fund...