08 Jul Answering a Call to Help

By Beth Howell

In 1988, my husband Bob and I were starting a new adventure. We were expecting our first baby. It was an exciting time, and it never dawned on us that something bad could happen. At my doctor’s appointment one week before my due date, there was no heart-beat. No words could describe how devastated we were and how lost we felt.

Two years later we were blessed with a healthy baby boy. The joy we felt was indescribable. This beautiful baby was our entire world.

From that day on, the call to help other families dealing with the loss of their child or the threat of the loss of their child was strong. I personally understood the need for support and dedicated my career to helping children and families. For 23 years, I worked at the children’s hospital. Although I was a non-clinical staff member, I was grateful to know my work was making a difference.

In 2013, I received the opportunity to become President & CEO of Atlanta RMHC. I jumped at the chance because I believed I could more directly help families with sick children. Many do not fully realize what Atlanta RMHC means to families during one of the most challenging times of their lives. They are scared, confused, overwhelmed and trying to comfort a child—often hundreds of miles from home. The support they find at Atlanta RMHC gives them the strength they need to continue day after day and the opportunity to be together as a family.

For all of those reasons, Atlanta RMHC is an important part of our annual giving, but ensuring something for the future is just as critical. As Bob and I updated our will, we once again had the conversation what do we want to do for the charities we love. Though I have retired this year, Bob and I are both passionate about wanting to leave a legacy for Atlanta RMHC. We believe in the power of togetherness and want to make sure these families have the love and support they need for years to come.

To learn more about how you can support the children and families who count on Atlanta RMHC, visit armhc.org/legacy or contact marissa.greider@armhc.org.