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He died suddenly, in his sleep, when he was 12. We think it was pneumonia, but we never knew for sure.
How did you deal with that?
You hear people say you never get over the death of a child. What you can do is turn the nightmare into something positive for other people. It helps you get up in the morning. You honor it in the most sacred way possible and that’s what I've tried to do with my work. That's what Eric taught me.
My book, 'Breakthrough Parenting For Children With Special Needs,' was released in March. I made a promise to my son that we would use our life experiences to help other people to live their lives more easily. When he died I didn't know if I’d ever write again, but I knew that I had to fulfill that promise and I did. When the book was published, it was hugely healing to me.
My husband and I are also co-chairs of The Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp. It's a big job and the second promise fulfilled to Eric. He always wanted to go to a summer camp. When he passed away we directed all the donations -- over $10,000 -- into a fund to start it. We created an endowment to help ensure that that the camp survives. It's in its fourth year. What's exciting about it is the camp accepts individuals of all ages all disabilities and their siblings, from the very young to the very old. Siblings were important because we wanted them to have a fun experience instead of just going to the doctor's office.
What do you have to say to those reading this who don't think they have the time to devote to community outreach, to philanthropic pursuits?
I've always volunteered my time because I believe strongly that one person can make a difference. In volunteerism you get much more back than you give back. It's remarkable to see what comes back as a result of what you give.
If I could find time the time to do it, anyone can. I believe there's always time in our day that we could put to better use. Maybe not now, maybe down the road. It gives you a whole new appreciation for your life -- a real reality check. Someone always has it tougher.
Learn more about Judy Winter's life and work
Read more about our CEO all-stars
How did you deal with that?
You hear people say you never get over the death of a child. What you can do is turn the nightmare into something positive for other people. It helps you get up in the morning. You honor it in the most sacred way possible and that’s what I've tried to do with my work. That's what Eric taught me.
My book, 'Breakthrough Parenting For Children With Special Needs,' was released in March. I made a promise to my son that we would use our life experiences to help other people to live their lives more easily. When he died I didn't know if I’d ever write again, but I knew that I had to fulfill that promise and I did. When the book was published, it was hugely healing to me.
My husband and I are also co-chairs of The Eric 'RicStar' Winter Music Therapy Camp. It's a big job and the second promise fulfilled to Eric. He always wanted to go to a summer camp. When he passed away we directed all the donations -- over $10,000 -- into a fund to start it. We created an endowment to help ensure that that the camp survives. It's in its fourth year. What's exciting about it is the camp accepts individuals of all ages all disabilities and their siblings, from the very young to the very old. Siblings were important because we wanted them to have a fun experience instead of just going to the doctor's office.
What do you have to say to those reading this who don't think they have the time to devote to community outreach, to philanthropic pursuits?
I've always volunteered my time because I believe strongly that one person can make a difference. In volunteerism you get much more back than you give back. It's remarkable to see what comes back as a result of what you give.
If I could find time the time to do it, anyone can. I believe there's always time in our day that we could put to better use. Maybe not now, maybe down the road. It gives you a whole new appreciation for your life -- a real reality check. Someone always has it tougher.
Learn more about Judy Winter's life and work
Read more about our CEO all-stars
