August 29, 2023 Newsletter Article from Pastor Vance

      Last week, I spent some time with Shannon Zisa, learning more about her story and her current mission. Shannon is a member of First Church, and you likely recall the terrible bicycling tragedy inflicted on the Zisa family on June 2, 2019, when Shannon, her husband Dane, and their 17-month old daughter, Adalyn, were run over by an impaired motorist. Shannon has recovered from her physical injuries, but Dane’s injuries were far more severe and enduring. Especially tragic, young Adalyn did not survive.

           Though Shannon recovered from her physical injuries, the emotional wounds have obviously been more difficult. When Shannon looked for grief support, her options were limited, and none specifically addressed the loss of a toddler-aged child. So, in the absence of helpful places to turn for support, Shannon founded a new organization called, “Acts for Adalyn.” From the “Acts for Adalyn” website…

The Acts For Adalyn Foundation was founded to provide ongoing support for mothers that lose their toddler (12-48 months of age) suddenly and without warning. As a toddler loss mama, myself, I have a unique ability to offer support in ways that have never been available before. The Acts For Adalyn Foundation helps a grieving mama find a connection to a world that suddenly seems so foreign. In an instant, our world has changed, it has shattered around us, and suddenly we are left trying to make sense of the senseless. The Acts For Adalyn Foundation offers a connection for mothers that are facing the unimaginable pain of losing their toddler. The foundation’s mission is to provide comfort and offer ongoing support to toddler loss mamas.

           In just a few short years, “Acts for Adalyn” has become a global support network for mothers grieving the loss of a toddler-aged child. “Acts for Adalyn” includes the gift of a stuffed bunny, sent to grieving parents – anywhere in the world - as soon as Shannon learns of a child’s death. The stuffed bunny is specially-designed to hold cremated ashes, so that parents can have something of their child to embrace. 

           Additionally, “Acts for Adalyn” includes a Facebook page, where grieving parents can find support 24 hours/day, where ever they are located. “Acts for Adalyn” also offers annual retreats for grieving mother’s to gather, find mutual comfort and support, and heal.

           Though Shannon’s trauma, loss and gtrief are more than anything I have personally experienced or imagined, I am amazed by how Shannon has endured, is healing, and has turned an unspeakable, unfathomable tragedy into such a powerful movement to support other grieving parents. To say, “I’m impressed!” misses the point. Frankly, I’m in awe of how God is working in and through Shannon’s loss in a such an powerfully redemptive way.

           Obviously, offering this kind of support costs money, for which “Acts for Adalyn” depends on fundraising and the support of people who believe in her cause. In addition to the “Donate” tab on the “Acts for Adalyn” website, Shannon has planned an upcoming fundraising gala, called, “Fall in Love with the Acts of Adalyn Foundation,” on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the Cypress Creek Farmhouse, in Astatula, FL. Gala tickets are available for purchase here. I hope you will consider making a donation, or buying a Gala ticket! Won’t it be wonderful for Shannon and “Acts for Adalyn” to have financial support from her church family, and for us to be part of helping grieving parents!

           In his teaching on the Body of Christ, the Apostle Paul says, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part gets the glory, all the parts celebrate with it.” Just as First Church grieved with the Zisas following their June 2, 2019 tragedy, and continue to, we can all celebrate and support the incredible work Shannon is now doing in Adalyn’s name and memory. I encourage you to support “Acts for Adalyn” with your prayers and your financial support!

You are loved,

Pastor Vance