As a trauma nurse, I’ve seen more than my share of heartbreak.Every injury I treat leaves a mark, but nothing compares to the pain of caring for a child whose life has been shattered by a preventable injury. The cries of a frightened child, the anguish of helpless parents, the silence that sometimes follows — these moments stay with you forever.That’s why I’m partnering with the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund to raise both awareness and critical funding for their Pediatric Trauma Program (PTP).Every year, an estimated 8,000 families in the U.S. lose a child to a preventable injury. Let that number sink in. That’s more than 20 families — every single day — whose lives are forever changed.Unintentional injury remains the leading cause of death for children under 14 in the U.S. But here’s the hopeful part: 90% of these injuries can be prevented through education, awareness, enforcement, and community outreach. Because injuries are not accidents. They are often predictable — and preventable.Your gift to the Pediatric Trauma Program helps fund:Life-saving education and safety projects led by our Kiwanis and Service Leadership Program clubs.Grants to Partner Hospitals for pediatric trauma care and prevention efforts.Tools and training that empower families and communities to protect their children.With your help, we can reduce the number of heartbreaking scenes that trauma nurses face every day. We can give children the safe, full lives they deserve.I invite you to join me in supporting my First Lady’s Focus — and together, let’s prevent pediatric trauma before it happens.First Lady Eileen Geraci

Your gift provides scholarships and leadership training to college and high school students; prevents childhood trauma; and awards community grants that positively impact the lives of children.