I am excited to participate in the 37th Annual The Ben to the Shore 65-Mile Charity Bike Ride, which supports the Families Behind the Badge Children's Foundation! The Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation (FBBCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to improving the lives of children in the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area. We achieve this by providing necessary financial relief for the families of fallen or critically injured first responders (police officers, firefighters, EMTs) and cultivating positive relationships and interactions between police officers and the children in the communities they serve.
We lost my Uncle Jeff Murren on July 22, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer, Murren Strong was formed in 2017 and has carried on our fundraising efforts every year since then in honor of him and the rest of the family members we miss so dearly every day. Although I created Murren Strong after losing my Uncle & Grandmother to Cancer, I know that this is a charity and event they would both be delighted to get involved with. I am inspired and motivated by them both every day, I strive to carry their goodness, strength, and philanthropic nature with me daily! My Uncle was a gym teacher for upwards of 40 years and he was named "Teacher of the Year" before retiring. An amazing friend who worked closely alongside him said "He wanted them to see the connection between climbing a rope and overcoming the odds". Constantly molding and inspiring young minds and bodies, my Uncle Jeff was an outstanding athlete and leader; I push myself to emulate these altruistic and amazing qualities in my everyday life. My incredible Grandmother & Grandfather were both devoted to helping and caring for children, whether as loving parents, adoring grandparents, or as a supportive aunt and uncle. Their warmness and generosity will always be second to none. Keeping Hallmark in business, my Grandparents showed everyone what it truly means to be a thoughtful, dedicated friend or family member. Not enough can be said about the admiration and respect I gained for my Uncle, Jeff Murren, and Grandmother, Shirley Murren (pictured above) as I watched them both deal with their life-altering diagnosis and fight with cancer. Their graciousness and bravery were that of a true fighter through and through. It is through these two amazing souls that I am so mindful of just how immeasurable of a gift it is to be able to give back and to be alive, AND healthy to get involved in amazing charity events such as these.
I aspire to mirror their thoughtfulness, generosity, and love daily. I am channeling my Murren Strength and rallying my family, friends, and loved ones to give back to this amazing cause and get outside their comfort zones!
At our wedding, my brother Kyle read this amazing poem that encapsulates how we carry them with us in everything we do:
"On this joyous day, we remember
that loved ones are missing today
Ones our hearts hold on to,
as we travel along life’s way,
Loved ones who made life so special
For all those who gather here,
Ones who won’t be ever forgotten,
But cherished from year to year,
And now as we pause to remember,
Let us all fondly recall,
How dearly each of us loves them,
And OH…… how they love us all!!
Although we cannot see you,
We know that you are here.
We feel the warmth of your smile,
And can sense that you are near,
So we want for you to know,
Your love is still our Guide,
Memories held in our hearts,
You are always at our side
It’s sad you will not be here,
On this day Kate & Ricky say “I do”
And so… they say their vows today
In loving honor & memory of YOU "
This is the same thought process and feelings we have as we fundraise and participate in these events!
Please consider sharing this with friends and family, join our team, or donate to this incredible foundation!
