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A Few Clouds Saw Mill class embraces the rainbow
Fourth-graders support U.K. children’s charity
North Bellmore students recently did what they could to brighten the days of sick and disabled children in the United Kingdom while spreading awareness about a charity seeking to support them.
Laura Neville’s fourth-grade class at Saw Mill Road Elementary School took part in “Wear Rainbow Day” on May 16 to bring attention to Rosie’s Rainbow Fund. The European charity supports seriously ill children and their families by sponsoring therapy sessions and support groups as well as purchasing medical equipment.
Carolyn Mayling founded the charity in memory of her 11-year-old daughter, Rosie, who she said was exceptionally musical. Rosie was diagnosed with vasculitis, a rare and devastating illness affecting the blood vessels, in December 2002 and died on May 14, 2003.
In honor of her daughter, Mayling founded Rosie’s Raindbow Fund, which supports:
- Music therapy sessions at the John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital in Oxford, Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Bucks and the Royal Berks Hospital in Reading.
- Bereavement support for families after the loss of a child.
- Massage and aromatherapy for the extremely stressed parents of long-stay and terminally ill children.
- Music sessions for special needs children in schools and centers.
- Purchase of equipment for disabled children in schools and respite centers.
Mayling said in an official statement that the organizers of the charity developed “Wear Rainbow Day” to remember Rosie. The day’s theme was inspired by an event at her memorial service and by her personality.
“Rosie was a colorful child and loved wearing colorful tights,” she said. “On the day of her funeral, we held a memorial to celebrate her life at the Novello Theatre. When we left the theater, we saw a huge double rainbow. ‘Wear Rainbow Day’ seems a very fitting tribute to Rosie.”
