The outpouring of love for the Barrett family has been amazing. Many people who don't know Mary Ellen, Dave and their family "in real life" have come to know and love them through the sharing of Mary Ellen's gift for writing on the internet. All have been touched deeply by this family's tragedy. Many are asking what they can do.
The Barrett family has requested that anyone who would like to make a memorial
gift in Ryan's name to please give to one of these two charities:
- http://www.autismspeaks.org/
There is a donation page at the website where you can opt to make a memorial
donation. By doing this, they will send the Barrett's an e-card so they can
acknowledge any gifts made in Ryan's memory.
OR
- You can make a donation to The Friar Suppliers* in Ryan's memory.
Checks can be made out to "Friar Suppliers" and mailed to:
Rich Garbe
108 N. Greene St.
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Please include a note on the memo line that this is a donation in Ryan's memory.
*Friar Suppliers is a non-profit organization which is a fruit of our Friday Night Family Rosary group. People from all over the country send a monthly donation to the above address and volunteers buy food and supplies for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The Renewal is made up of Franciscan Monks and Sisters who are totally commited to living a life of poverty and service to the poor according to the Rule of St. Francis. Ryan had aspirations of one day becoming a Friar and often visited their friaries in the Bronx where he prayed with them and played music with them.
Please feel free to link to this page to spread the word. Thank you.
Hi Chris,
I'm a friend of Mary Ellen's through the Magnum Opus list. I know that you're swamped, but if you have a minute, could you contact me privately?
Thanks so much & God bless you for your love and support of our dear friends.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 17, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Chris,
You are a true friend. God bless you for all you are doing. There are so many of us that feel helpless and long to lend some kind of help to Mary Ellen and Dave.
While we certainly join our prayers and sufferings to theirs, it's comforting to know that their temporal needs are being taken care of as well. It is a beautiful witness to the Mystical Body of Christ.
Thank you!
Posted by: Michele Q. | August 17, 2009 at 08:22 AM
Thank you for letting us know how we can show our support. I know Mary Ellen through Magnum Opus and and especially touched because our 7 year old son was recently diagnosed with autism and Mary Ellen has been encouraging and supportive. We will be glad to support Autism Speaks since it has been a great source of knowledge and support for us. God bless you for being such a dear friend to Mary Ellen; assure her that we all are storming the heavens for her and the family.
Posted by: meredith | August 17, 2009 at 02:53 PM