Thanks to your generosity, The Josh Rojas Foundation has been able to accomplish so much because of all the wonderful donations and support we have received. Thank you!
Since 2009, we have sponsored this website, www.JoshRojas.org. It has become an invaluable way for us to reach out to countless families who have experienced the loss of their child. From the comfort of their own home, bereaved families and friends can ask questions or simply share with people who are also suffering the physical loss of a child. The website also contains grief literature for parents, children and the greater community; local support group information; and links to other helpful sites. This website is a tool for suffering families to utilize as they travel their own personal journey of sorrow.
We continue to reach out to local families by sending grief packets. The packets include area support group information, ways to support siblings/friends, and how to function through the holidays. The hundreds of families that we have reached out to over the years continue to inspire us every day. Only someone who is surviving this loss can truly understand.
Throughout the years, we have assisted some area families with the purchase of a marker or small headstone for their child. The expense of a funeral and burial can financially devastate a family who is already emotionally devastated by their overwhelming loss. Sadly, a headstone or marker is often a luxury that they cannot afford.
Our president, Kristan Rojas, has been a guest speaker at various events in our area. One such event took place in 2010 and was sponsored by the University of Rochester Medical Center, Lifetime Care and the Monroe County Medical Society. The presentation was entitled, “Sudden Traumatic Death: Facing the Unfathomable”. Also, in October 2012, Kristan spoke at a Golisano Children's Hospital conference entitled "When a Child Dies: A Ripple Effect." At both events, Kristan addressed pediatric medical professionals. The overall theme for both conferences was to discuss how to help parents deal with the sudden death of their child in a medical setting.
From 2006-2016, the Josh Rojas Foundation held an annual Used Soccer Equipment Drive. In that time, we were able to donate well over $20,000 worth of used soccer equipment in memory of Joshua. Some recipients of these donations included Kick For Nick, Beanies for Baghdad, an inner-city Rochester summer camp, a soccer team in the Philippines, a training centre in Rwanda, an after-school program in Brazil, an orphanage in Honduras and a charter school in Rochester, NY. Though our soccer drives are now done, we are so very thankful for the opportunity we had to assist children all over the world.
In recent years, we have begun hosting casual bereaved parent get togethers a couple of times each year. Just being among others who truly understand can often bring solace and peace. We have also assisted with an annual Ceremony of Remembrance each December since 2007. In 2021, Mary Jane Milano, who created this beautiful event, asked for us to take over the organizing and planning of this observance, as well. See our Services & Gifts or Events & Fundraisers pages for more specific information.
Lastly, through your generous donations, we have been able to continue our annual awards to West Irondequoit students. The Heart for Art Award is presented to a graduating senior of Irondequoit High School who shares and displays Joshua’s passion for life, art and community. The award includes $500, a personal plaque and the recipient's name is inscribed on a plaque displayed at Irondequoit High School. A Life Worth Living Award is presented to a 5th grade boy and girl attending Iroquois Middle School. These students share and display Joshua’s friendliness, academic achievement, and well-rounded interests. This award includes $100, a personal plaque, and the recipient's name is inscribed on a plaque displayed at Iroquois School.
As you can see, we have been able to accomplish so much and we hope this is just the beginning. We are always looking for new ways to contribute to our community. Stay tuned for new ventures and support! We express a heartfelt thank you to all of you!