I first learned about the David’s Touch Foundation when I was contacted by its founder and president Jenny Perez-Rosado.

Jenny contacted Bill George who was the owner of the Amboy Beacon about covering an event that was to take place on December 13, 2010 at the Shannon Rose Restaurant in Woodbridge.

It was the first fundraiser for the foundation that was held in memory of Jenny’s son, David who had passed away from cancer in 2005.

They say that the hardest thing in the world is for a parent to bury their child. Although the pain is great and it will last you a lifetime out of that grief there can grow a healing process. For Jenny and her family that healing process culminated in keeping David’s memory alive by helping other families who have a child suffering from a very serious illness.

The David’s Touch Foundation has hosted yearly events such as Christmas in July and the Charity Motorcycle Run just to name a few. These events raise funds to distribute gifts to children who are seriously ill.

There are many organizations that David’s Touch Foundation has helped. Whenever there is a fundraiser to help a child who is seriously ill, Jenny and her organization will do all they can to help.

David’s Touch Foundation is not the first group that has been formed out of grief of a loved ones death. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) was founded on May 7, 1980 by Candace Lynne Lightner (Candy Lightner). Candace’s daughter, Cari was killed at the age of 13 when she was struck by a drunk driver.

This loss propelled Candy to found MADD which led to enacting harsh penalties for those who drive while intoxicated and cause lethal accidents.

Unfortunately and fortunately too many organizations are founded on tragedies such as these.

John Walsh is nationally known as the host of America’s Most Wanted. This show has been instrumental in capturing the most brutal criminals wanted by the FBI. John Walsh’s son, Adam was kidnapped and murdered which was his inspiration to help others in similar circumstances.

Although all of these organizations were founded under totally different circumstances, there is one thing they have in common – they were all based on losing a child at a young age and turning that loss into a healing process that helps others.

One thing I know for sure, David, Cari and Adam are all looking down from heaven and thanking their loved ones for loving them so much.

An organization needs a strong backbone to help them grow and survive. So this is to all of the volunteers who devote so much time and effort to keep David’s Touch, MADD and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children alive.

I’ve just touched on 3 of many organizations founded by ordinary people just like you and I. In these 3 instances,  the common thread is there loss was the catalyst to help bring healing and some sort of closure and in some instances joy to others.

– Carolyn M.