We volunteer and support charities that believe in the Pete's Diary mission to amplify positivity and self-acceptance.
Here's a list of charities we are recommending for your 2020 Giving Tuesday support.
If you donate to only one charity in honor of Peter, please consider Children's Craniofacial Association.
I'm not sure where our family would be today without the relationships we've made through CCA. We started attending their annual retreats when Peter was four years old, and we've only missed a few over the years. We formed instant friendships that will last a lifetime.
Peter grew up knowing other kids and adults who endure the stigma of looking different and the challenges of reconstructive surgeries. Jacob knows siblings who understand what it's like to have a brother or sister in the hospital and recovering from surgery. Parents form instant bonds in the company of others who know what it's like being in their shoes.
In addition to the retreats, CCA provides financial assistance for medical travel and an education and outreach program that champions inclusion and kindness toward those who look different.
I've served on the Board of Directors for over ten years, and our family has hosted several fundraising events for CCA. Peter and I have also represented CCA at numerous speaking engagements over the years. I've donated our lessons learned and presentations to other CCA families who are training to become certified speakers.
CCA is like an extended family, and 2020 has been a financially devastating year for the organization. With more families in need of assistance and no in-person connections being made, they need donations now more than ever.
Harmony 4 Hope uses music to unite people for rare disease research and education.
Peter is a Rare Storyteller for H4H, which has given him the opportunity to share his medical journey with Northwestern's Feinburg School of Medicine, Marquette University's College of Health Sciences, and Medical College of Wisconsin. Peter represented H4H in the 2019 Battle of the Biotech Bands, which raised $25,000 for the charity. I serve on the Family Advisory Board.
Click here to make a donation to Harmony 4 Hope. Your financial contribution will support funding for rare disease cures and treatments.
We are not formally affiliated with Guitars for Vets, but we love what they are doing. G4V uses the healing power of music to help veterans and first responders work through PTSD. We feel a strong connection with this charity as playing guitar helps Peter manage his medical PTSD.
Click here to make a donation to Guitars for Vets. Your support will give the healing power of a guitar and lessons to a veteran. It seems simple, but it's those small acts of kindness that often save and enrich lives.
While 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, we do have a lot to be grateful for. These charities and so many others provide hope and healing for those who need it most. Our family has received many blessings through these affiliations, and we are grateful to give back. If you are financially able to contribute, please donate to one of these charities in honor of Peter or our family.