Circle of Care

For 60 years, the East Bay Agency for Children has served Bay Area families.  Last year, I volunteered for the Circle of Care program. I photographed their second annual Walk to Remember.

The East Bay Agency for Children organized the 2nd Annual Walk to Remember on May 14, 2011 at Oakland's Lake Merritt to support The Circle fo Care. (bryan farley)

According to EBAC, Circle of Care is, “one of the nation’s few programs providing counseling and support services to children and their families where a parent, caregiver or family member has died or is living with a life threatening illness.”  When my father committed suicide several years ago, a support group helped me find comfort. At the time, I felt alone and lonely. I reconnected to my community by meeting others who experienced something similar. The Circle of Care provides this opportunity so that grieving children and families are not completely isolated.

The East Bay Agency for Children organized the 2nd Annual Walk to Remember on May 14, 2011 at Oakland's Lake Merritt to support The Circle fo Care. (bryan farley)

As an adult living with epilepsy, I am further comforted knowing that the Circle of Care exists. Though I am currently healthy, my health could change suddenly. My wife or I could develop a terminal illness unrelated to epilepsy. If this were to happen, at least my children would have a community. They would find people who understand and care.

The East Bay Agency for Children organized the 2nd Annual Walk to Remember on May 14, 2011 at Oakland's Lake Merritt to support The Circle fo Care. (bryan farley)

Unfortunately, the Walk to Remember conflicts with the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California’s Epilepsy Awareness Stroll this year, so I will take my family to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

3 Responses to “Circle of Care”

  1. Alice J Pierson-Knapp says:

    good for you!

  2. So good to know something like that exists! It’s so very needed!