This September 11th will mark the 18th anniversary of a day none of us will ever forget - a day when my childhood friend, David Retik, was senselessly murdered, along without countless others. David simply boarded the wrong plane, Flight 11, on that tragic morning. He left behind not only a wife and two children, but one more on the way.
Struggling with the loss of her husband, David's wife, Susan, channeled her overwhelming grief into an inspiring cause. She and another 9/11 widow founded Beyond the 11th, a foundation to aid the widows of Afghanistan – among the poorest and most oppressed women in the world. I had hoped to join Susan on a bike ride this year to support her efforts, but the ride is arduous (285 miles over 3 days), and I ultimately was not able to train enough to be confident I could even complete it. Nonetheless, I want to do everything I can to support her efforts, including spreading the news of her efforts and helping her to fundraise. (By the way, Susan is my age, and a 285 mile bike ride is no cinch for her either!)
To continue on their charity efforts, Susan and Patti reached out in sisterhood and compassion to train Afghan widows in the essential jobs skills they need to become self-reliant. Programs supported by Beyond the 11th teach these vulnerable women how to run small businesses to generate income and enables community lending programs for for essentials like school fees and health care for their children.
Fariba’s story is typical. Previously, she was isolated and completely dependent on her in-laws. Accompanying her mother-in-law to meetings, she blossomed. She began to speak up, and participate in the group’s decisions. She took out a loan to start a small business. Perhaps equally powerful, she found a vital social outlet via these community programs.
Since its inception, Beyond the 11th has provided close to $1 Million in support for these life-changing programs. In a time of divisive politics, Susan's efforts to build bridges halfway around the world and to help those in need is inspiring. In fact, Susan's efforts were recognized by President Obama in 2010, when he awarded her the Presidential Citizenship Award.
I would be thrilled if you could donate, and any amount will honor Susan's hard work and determination, and support an incredibly worthwhile cause!