Bummer I missed it!

On Thursday May 28th we handed out awards from the McCarthy Brothers Bond Foundation for our third year at Greenfield High School. I was not physically part of that "we." It was devastating for me to miss it but I was still under a doctor's care at Baystate Franklin Medical Center on the other side of town. It was suggested that we could mail our awards to our receipients- but if you know me- you know there was no way that was happening. I did not want a missed opportunity to tell people about Colin and Shane and to introduce our foundation to new audience members. My sister Cindy offered up Chelsea to take my place at the podium but did not need to as Mike said that he would do it.

Well I take that back- as the photo here shows- Chelsea indeed did take a turn at the podium filling space since Mike had decided 30 seconds before they were called to stage to go take a pee break. Off Chelsea, Colin and our nurse Ricky went to stage (thank you Ricky for picking up the extra shift to get Colin there!) Imagine Mike's surprise to return and realize- oh shit- they were up on stage. Chelsea told me that after Mike arrived on stage the first thing he said to her was "Angie's gonna love this."

They both agreed that Shane likely was getting a good laugh at the situation as well.

This smile and look on Chelsea's face says it all for me. Never a dull moment with her Uncle Mikey.

Never the less the show went on without me- just as I had requested.

We had 8 applicants that had completed applications and provided sibling essays- I can not seem to ever leave anyone out so we gave out 8 awards. Three higher value and 5 of lower value. My brain uncapable of simple math awarded $2000 this year instead of $2,100. Oh well!

Of special note this year was that one of our top winners Sophia Rotkiewicz is the younger sister of Addie that received an award our very first year. As a foundation that casts its focus on family and siblings this just felt perfect.

Our other top two awards went to Ivy Rae and Nathanial Woodard.

Our application states we are looking for graduates pursuing a career in business, hospitalilty, medicine or special education- but honestly it is the required essays about their siblings that carry the most weight for my decisions. I will share some of their words that caught me:

"I don't think I ever felt true inspiration from someone until I realized who my older sister was." Sophia

"My little sister mirrors my ever day actions. She's one of the reasons I set myself up to achieve goals or create good habits." Ivy

"Being the oldest brother comes with responsibility, love and respect." "Through every up and down we have made each other stronger and wiser." - Nathanial

Additional awards were given to Mason Youmell, Kristina Kosteov, Javion Williams, Holly Babineau and Kanza Nasrullah

"Being an older brother has also made me more aware of the example I set. Even in small ways, I know my actions matter. " Mason

"My sister, my rock, my anchor." "She is the person who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. " Kristina

"I hope to create a positive impact not only in my community but also within my family by continuing the legacy my parents began." Javion

"Being a little sister is hard, especially with a brother as smart as my own. You tend to fall into the shadow of them." "I am excited to create my own path." Holly

"I know to be strong and efficient worker because of him..I know to be a confident, feminine woman because of my sisters." "My siblings made me into who I am today I wouldn't have had half the opportunities and comforts in life if it weren't for their hard work and guidance. " Kanza

Please visit our project page (soon ) to learn about where these graduates are off to next.

Congratulations to all our Class of 2026 McCarthy Brothers Bond Award winners. We hope you find your True North and go make this world a better place.

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These past ten days when I was sick and while I have been recovering I was once again reminded about how lucky I am to have the siblings that I do. My brother Jon and sister Cindy along with sister in laws Kristen and Lori have either been by my side or checked on me daily. Time and time again they are there for me whenever I need them.

And of course there is Chelsea- my neice that will always do whatever I need even before I know I need it. Always game for whatever comes her way even without warning!

I also have a bit of a bonus family with the nurses that are in our home every day providing exceptional care to Colin- well they all took on an additional patient last week, some came early, same stayed late, some picked up shifts. They each providedme with care as well as Colin.

Not all families are as lucky as I am. But this is a great space to thank them from the bottom of my heart and to remind them of how much I love them all. I am a lucky woman for more reasons than one.