I never sent last weeks newsletter because of the chain of events that unfolded later that day at the Boston Marathon. 

 

With thousands of runners still on the course, two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, killing three people, injuring at least 113 and turning the city's most celebrated event into a grisly spectacle of shattered glass, blood and screams.

 

 

My thoughts, prayers and sympathies to the family of this fallen police officer, his co-workers and friends.  Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe.

Rest in peace bother!

In the days since the devastating Boston attacks, donors have given millions of dollars to help the grieving families and the victims suffering from critical injuries.

Individual Funds

• While waiting for their dad to cross the finish line, Martin Richard, 8, was killed in the blast and his younger sister, whose name has not been released, had her leg amputated in the aftermath. Their mother, Denise, was also hospitalized with serious injuries. To help the familiy get through this devastating period, friends and family have established the Richard Family Fund. Find out how you can support the Richards here.

• The LU Lingzi Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established at Boston University in memory of the 23-year-old graduate student who was one of three people killed in the Boston Marathon bomb attacks. Find out how you can get involved here.

• In lieu of flowers, the family of Krystle Campbell, a 29-year-old woman from Medford, Mass., who was killed in the explosions, has asked supporters to make donations to the Krystle M. Campbell Memorial Fund. Contributions can be sent to 25 Park St. Medford, MA 02155

• Jeff Bauman, a spectator who lost both legs in the aftermath of the blasts, will likely face hefty medical bills as he begins to recover. To help offset the costs, friends and family have launched the Bucks For Bauman fundraiser. Find out how you can get involved here.
  Bauman's family is also asking people to send letters of support to Jeff. Mail can be sent to: Jeff Bauman C/O Jen Joyce 117 Tyngsboro Rd. Westford, MA 01886 or Jeff Bauman C/O Jen Joyce P.O. Box 261 Chelmsford, MA 01824. Learn more about Jeff's progress on his Facebook support page.

• Friends and family of Patrick and Jessica Downes, newlyweds who each had a leg amputated after the blasts, are raising money for the couple's medical bills. Find out how you can get involved with Help for Patrick and Jess here.

General Funds

• The One Fund Boston, Inc. was established by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino to help the people most affected by the Boston Marathon tragedy. Find out how you can get involved here.

• The New England Pat­riots and New England Revolution Charitable Foundations are collecting funds to provide relief to victims. The Kraft Family announced it would match the first $100,000 in donations. Learn more here and here.

• The Salvation Army has deployed four mobile feeding kitchens and more than 30 volunteers to dispense food, drinks and emotional support in Boston. Find out how you can get involved here.

• The American Red Cross has dispensed mental health volunteers and is not asking for blood donations at this time. Find out how you can get involved with the organization here.