Community Community Run, Walk n Roll

GPYC has been an essential part of the lives of Claire and Elizabeth Sheeren (daughters of Julie and Chris Sheeren; granddaughters of Susan and E.J. Eckert III), who grew up in the pool at the GPYC, participated in Day Camp and tennis lessons, and swam for our Sailfish Team. Now these sisters are asking for your support! Since she turned 12, Elizabeth has been battling a complex, progressive immune system disorder for over 11 years. She receives life-giving support from the palliative care team at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor. Her younger sister, Claire, saw the difference this team made in her sister and her family's quality of life, and she wanted to help other families facing similar situations. So in 2019, Claire started the Run, Walk N Roll 5K to raise money to support and expand the palliative care team at Mott, bringing hope and comfort to the families under their care.

Palliative care focuses on quality of life, comfort, and support for patients and families facing serious or terminal medical conditions. Since its inception, the Run, Walk N Roll 5K has raised more than $375,000 for the palliative care team at Mott. The success of the 2019 event enabled the Sheeren family to establish Elizabeth's Courage Fund, a Mott fund 100% dedicated to supporting children and families receiving palliative care.

"Every year, I am increasingly amazed by the support of our sponsors, friends, and community. It has been incredible to see people come alongside my family and so many others battling complex and chronic diseases. And even more — it is deeply moving to witness the impact the funds are having on the families at Mott." - Claire Sheeren.

Examples of programs funded by Elizabeth's Courage Fund include:

• Music Therapy designed for patients with complex chronic illnesses, NICU, and end-of-life situations.

• Caregiver Emotional Support Groups

• Medical Massage Therapy to help alleviate nausea, pain, and anxiety and improve quality of life.

• Child Life Specialists, helping patients cope with the stress of hospitalizations and serious illness, and to provide bereavement support.

Please consider joining this effort by sponsoring, donating, or registering for the 2023 Run, Walk n Roll 5K — helping children in palliative care to feel some of the simple pleasures of life through these programs. Additionally, the parents receive much-needed mental health support to help them manage daily living with a sick child. This year, Claire and Elizabeth's goal is to bring an Art Therapist onto the palliative care team — to help seriously ill children manage anxiety, pain, and uncertainty.

This year's event begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, at the Grosse Pointe South High School track, with check-in beginning at 8 a.m., and GPYC will once again be a Platinum Sponsor. The race is a USATF-certified, chip-timed 5K, but walkers and "rollers" are encouraged to join. In addition, the RWR crew will have race snacks and ice cream, lawn games, a photo booth, and more! To join the GPYC team, register, sponsor, or donate, visit www.run-walk-roll.org.

Media Inquiries:

Michelle Caldwell

313.418.4692 • Michelle.l.caldwell@gmail.com

When you dine at the GPYC you are sure to meet Heather Aldrich, Food & Beverage Manager. Always willing to give a helping hand and support the staff and members, the Club is lucky to have a fun and energetic team player on board. Enjoy getting to know Heather in this month's issue!

Where did you grow up? Do you have any siblings?

I grew up in Sterling Heights and graduated from Utica High School. I have 2 older sisters. How long have you worked at the GPYC?

I started at GPYC in August 2022, so about 8 months!

Who was the most influential person in your life?

My parents - I had a great childhood. My mom taught me to be strong and independent and my dad taught me how to fix anything and everything. I am quite handy!

What is your past experience in F&B? Have you always worked in F&B?

I started in F & B as a pantry cook when I was 14 and have worked in the industry ever since. I have done every job from dishwasher, line cook, server to general manager. I graduated from MSU with plans to become a teacher, but my heart was in hospitality and I was never able to leave it.

What is your favorite thing about working at the GPYC?

The staff here is so positive and eager for improvement. It is a breath of fresh air to be part of a team that is agreeable to changes that enhance the members’ experience at the club.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I snuggle with my dogs or work on one of my many hobbies. I love DIY so I am either crocheting a blanket, gardening, making a baby shower gift, or creating new products using essential oils.

Do you have a favorite Book or type of music and why?

I like to read anything fantasy or sci-fi. I think I like to escape into worlds other than regular every day. Growing up I loved movies like The Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Legend.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Halloween! I love dressing up and decorating and it is the best time for all of that. I get nominated every year in Ferndale for the most Boo-tiful house and I won in 2020! I have to wait 5 years before I can win again, so I have time to up my game!

Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?

I am very grateful for the opportunity I have here at GPYC to bring my knowledge and skill set to the dining experience. I am excited to get to know all of the members and become part of the family.