The Russells: parents Heather and Shawn with their children Ethan and Talia.
To the Silverman Preschool families,
Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Minyan,
Abraham Ratner Torah School,
Rabbi, Yael and Beth,
Thank you for the amazing generosity you have given our family. We have received an abundance of love and support whish is truly helping us get through this tough time. The kindness we have received has been overwhelming and gives us the strength and courage to fight another day. From the cards, emails, texts, Facebook messages, visits, flowers, meals, contributions, gifts, and hugs have left us speechless. Thank you! We want to say more but feel like nothing expresses our gratitude enough. So what we can say is this:
When days are long, you have reminded us of a brighter tomorrow,
When my heart is breaking, you have given us love,
When the future seems dim, you point out the silver lining,
When fear sets in, you are always there to reassure,
When times feel hopeless, your prayers give us hope,
When feeling isolated, you provide friendship,
When we needed family & friends the most, we feel blessed to have you in our lives.
Lots of Love,
Heather & Shawn Russell
Helping One of Our Own
As the holidays fall behind us and we look towards a new year, we are grateful for the wonderful community that we have at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Although we are hopeful that you may all have a beautiful year, there is one family in particular within our community that is heavy in our thoughts. We are reaching out to you as a community to come together and help one of our most involved and dedicated families as they move into one of the most trying phases of their lives.
Heather and Shawn Russell have been members of Tifereth Israel Synagogue for four years. Their son Ethan was a student at Silverman Preschool and their daughter Talia will soon join the school as well. Ethan has been a blessing to the school. Having endured over 14 surgeries before the age of two and with severe ongoing special needs, he has been a constant joy and inspiration to us at the school and has brought nothing but smiles and joy to all who know him. Heather has been a critical component of our success through her never-ending work with Silverman Preschool. She single-handedly brought in over half of the donations for our preschool auction last year through her tireless efforts, reaching out to our community on behalf of the school.
Recently Shawn was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Oral Cavity Cancer Stage 4. A feeding tube was inserted into his stomach and a trach was inserted as well. He has completed phases one through three of aggressive chemotherapy. Heather has been strong while juggling a 14-month-old child and the incredible responsibility of caring for Ethan and Shawn. The Russells have been bravely fighting for Shawn’s life as a family while trying to balance the needs of their children and household.
We are asking for your financial assistance to offset the exceedingly high medical expenses for this humble family. Please take the time and make a donation for this family as we want to embrace and help them during this incredible time of need. All donations will go towards medical expenses. Donations can be made online here or you can drop off a check at the synagogue. Checks can be written to Tifereth Israel Synagogue with “Russell Family” in the memo. Remember the Russell Family when you’re emptying your household tzedakah box. A special box will be available at the synagogue for your loose change and dollar bills. Watch for updates and special events to support our ongoing efforts. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at preschool@tiferethisrael.com or call (619) 697-1948 ext. 114.
Yael Edelstein
Preschool Director
- To receive updates from the Russell family, please log onto CaringBridge.
- Feed your family with locally-grown, organic produce and help the Russells at the same time. Click here to learn more about our participation in Suzie’s Farm Raiser.
- Join the Preschool at their fundraising Fun Run in January.