I'm once again joining my Shanti Yoga family to participate in Yoga Reaches Out: a day-long yogathon in the New England Patriots’ practice facility to help Boston Children's Hospital continue its amazing work for kids and families. This year, on the event’s 10th anniversary, donations will benefit Boston Children's Wellness Program and Every Child Fund.

It seems more and more I find myself in conversations where someone around town, friends, family of friends, is starting care at Boston Children's Hospital for their child. It's hard to hear of so many children struggling with illness or disorder, there's also a feeling of thankfulness that such an incredible hospital is accessible to us. And a stark reminder that the families under care at Boston Children's do not get to live in a bubble. They are very much living hard truth right among us. They’re trying to keep pieces of their child's childhood from slipping away; trying desperately to hold normalcy for that child and maybe other siblings at home. The same as my family had to: without a bubble to live in. I remember my family seeking peace and hope in the smallest things around them.

Yoga Reaches Out and the money we raise help bring that little bit of peace to the patients and families during their stays, providing a sanctuary. For many families, Boston Children’s is the one place that offers hope and healing to their child. Your contributions help ease their burden and cover vital services insurance doesn’t pay for.

I also go about this annual letter as a gift to my parents. Because parenting is hard, and I love my Mom & Dad! Being a child is sometimes hard too, and we’re doing our small part to help.

Thank YOU friends & family, as always, for any amount you can contribute to this cause that's big in our hearts.