Marie Burgess is Harvey’s Mom, A Hospice Volunteer and Owner of Genuine Connections Psychotherapy. The Chesapeake Kids program aids children and families dealing with advanced illnesses and grief. Read more about the Chesapeake Kids Program here. *Updated. Original reported total was $230,000.

I recently attended the 45th annual event as the guest speaker in my roles as Harvey’s Mom, Hospice Volunteer and Local Grief Therapist. For more than 10 minutes, our story held captive a boisterous crowd of @200. I spoke about the time when all of our resources were running low–except love–and how HOC stepped in at the READY. While we navigated the hardest time in our lives–the death of our child–HOC supported us with the gift of time, gift of connection and gift of clarity.

Read my full speech HERE.

I’m proud to say that my speech ended with a standing ovation AND tears throughout the room. I did not intend for either, but Harvey’s journey and our story have a history of affecting people in this way. Christine Wilson, Director of Philanthropy at HOC said, I “had the room completely enthralled and quiet, which is quite amazing!” Some say it’s my delivery, but I think it's the story. Probably both. Dozens of attendees approached me afterward, thanking me for telling our story and I found myself thanking them for hearing it. Afterall, they had to be there for this cause in order to hear it. Ultimately our goal was accomplished and I was told today that…

With my support, the event raised $240,000, “a record for the event” according to Wilson.

I can’t wait to see what comes next.

I’d like to thank my spouse, my Mom and my Sister (my “entourage” I joked playfully all night) for supporting me through it all and especially for non-judgmentally participating in my on-the-way-role-play (ie, they asked me questions as if they were attendees wanting to know more).

I’d like to also thank the OG members of Team Harvey and our expansive network of Team Harvey supporters who were there in spirit. “Team Harvey” signs indicated which seats were ours and I squealed with joy! Go Team Harvey!

If you want to:

• Watch the entire speech, you can find it on my YouTube Channel HERE.

• Volunteer with HOC Chesapeake Kids and support children grievers, learn more HERE.

• Volunteer by my side at the 2024 HOC Children's Grief Camp: Camp Nabi, learn more HERE.

• See more event photos on the HOC Facebook Page Photo Album.

• Learn more about my Camp Nabi experience, read my reflections HERE.

Photos by Elyzabeth Marcussen, Hospice of the Chesapeake