Archive for the ‘Being an ESL Student / Speaker’ Category
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Coach Teresa, How Do Writers & Authors Rebuild Their Lives?
June 28, 2011 was a delightful display of authors rebuilding their lives.
Birgit Soyka and I (Teresa LeYung Ryan) were the featured authors at our Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter event at BookShop West Portal in San Francisco.

Birgit Soyka and Teresa LeYung Ryan celebrate Rebuild Your Life Month at BookShop West Portal - photo by Teresa's sister Maria
Birgit Soyka rebuilt her life, leaving Germany and coming to California. Motorcycle racing there and motorcycle racing here – two different worlds. Read her book To Drink the Wild Air.
I, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, rebuilt my career after Love Made of Heart was published by Kensington Publishing Corp. New York. I discovered that I had an eye as an editor–helping other writers identify the themes and archetypes in their stories, so, I became a manuscript consultant. Then when my clients reported that agents and publishers passed them by because they (the writers) didn’t have platforms and fanbases, I became a writing career coach for them. And, I published Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW
Neal Sofman, the owner of BookShop West Portal, had to rebuild his business. Remember A Clean Well Lighted Place for Books? Those bookstores were owned by Neal. To survive hard times, he had to close those stores. Closure of one dream, invitation to another dream. BookShop West Portal in San Francisco is thriving.

Neal Sofman & BookShop West Portal get support from WNBA's Teresa LeYung Ryan & Birgit Soyka--photo by Leigh Anne Lindsey
I thank everyone who stepped out on rainy June 28, 2011 to support BookShop West Portal, WNBA, Birgit Soyka and yours truly Teresa LeYung-Ryan. May everyone who wants to rebuild her/his life do it joyfully.
Thank you to Neal, Kevin, Loretta, Jose, Jess at BookShop West Portal, Leigh Anne Lindsey, Birgit, Birgit’s friends, my sister and my friends Jonathan, Paula, Michelle Tapia, Miss Lauren Jung, bookstore loyalists and everyone there that evening.
And, remember, “Reach out, not stress out, when building or rebuilding your platform and fanbase!”

Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan (who helps writers build their platforms and fanbases) celebrates "Rebuild Your Life Month" at BookShop West Portal photo by Maria
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Lauren Jung and Michelle Tapia read scene from Love Made of Heart photo by Teresa LeYung-Ryan's sister Maria
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authors & publishers Leigh Anne Lindsey & Teresa LeYung Ryan cheer for Women's National Book Assn & BookShop West Portal
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Neal Sofman & BookShop West Portal praised by Author & Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan photo by Maria
Sincerely,
author of Love Made of Heart
Dear Birgit,
I had so much fun celebrating “Rebuild Your Life Month” with you, my friends and yours at BookShop West Portal! I too blogged http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/coach-teresa-how-do-writers-authors-rebuild-their-lives/ See you and Jacqueline on Thursday July 7, 2011 at San Francisco Public Library-main branch, Stong Conference Room 6:00-7:30pm for WNBA meet-up!
Cheers from Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan Loves Stories About Words
Tuesday night, my sister and I dined at Squat & Gobble Cafe & Crepery before going to my gig with fellow Women’s National Book Association member Birgit Soyka at BookShop West Portal.
At first I thought the eatery was called Squab & Gobble, but, the name is Squat & Gobble. Why “Squat” ? Chickens squat. People squat. Squatting is done with the lower half of our body. Why “Gobble” ? Gobbling is done with our mouths.
What’s the lore behind the phrase squat and gobble?
Here’s a story about the Chinese word for “heart”: The word “heart” is inside the words “grace,” “forgiveness,” “perseverance,” “compassion.” The word “heart” is inside the word “love” thus love made of heart.
What was our gig? http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/how-do-authors-teresa-leyung-ryan-and-birgit-soyka-celebrate-rebuild-your-life-month-in-june/
Sincerely,
author of Love Made of Heart
How Do Authors Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Birgit Soyka Celebrate “Rebuild Your Life Month” in June?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 7:00-9:00pm
BookShop West Portal, 80 West Portal Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127 415-564-8080
Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) members celebrate June’s “Rebuild Your Life Month” featuring books by members Birgit Soyka and Teresa LeYung-Ryan. Join us for a fun evening— reception; authors’ presentations; meet the new board and members of the San Francisco Chapter. Please RSVP by emailing BookShopRSVP@wnba-sfchapter.org
Birgit Soyka (author of To Drink the Wild Air: One Woman’s Quest to Touch the Horizon)
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Teresa LeYung-Ryan (author of Love Made of Heart and Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days)
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Teresa LeYung-Ryan uses Love Made of Heart to inspire adult-children of mentally-ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and gain resources for their families. As Writing Career Coach Teresa, she helps fiction and nonfiction authors gain a competitive edge before and after publication with her workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days. Visit Teresa’s blog at http://WritingCoachTeresa.com
Birgit Soyka (author of To Drink the Wild Air: One Woman’s Quest to Touch the Horizon )was the only female breaking into the male dominated sport of motorcycle racing in California, showing courage and determination to win a championship against all odds and encountering injuries, destitution, homelessness, and the threat of deportation. Visit Birgit’s blog at http://todrinkthewildair.com/
The Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that fosters professional development and exposure of our members (women & men) through a variety of book-related programs, workshops, and hands-on opportunities to make valuable contacts and connections that are beneficial at any stage of one’s career. WNBA-San Francisco Chapter (founded by Effie Lee Morris) is part of a National network promoting the value of books and reading throughout ten chapters stretching from coast to coast. Annual Membership is $45 http://wnba-sfchapter.org
How Do We Help Libraries?
Seems like we need to constantly watch over beloved underdog libraries. http://saveoaklandlibrary.org/
Again, thank you dear friend Martha Alderson for forwarding the email from Kathy Shepler.
Thank you dear friend Chandra Garsson for stepping out today to participate in the 14 hours-14 branches READ IN to save Oakland libraries. I like your photo album on facebook. I like your 45-second film of me on YouTube.
Here are emails–Oakland Mayor & City Council Members, etc. http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/help-our-underdog-public-libraries-in-every-city-town-incorporated-and-unincorporated-a…rea-in-the-united-states-of-america/ See you tomorrow June 21, 2011, 5:30pm at Oakland City Council meeting
One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
First and Second Floors
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone:(510) 238-3612
Voice Mail:(510) 238-3611
Email: cityclerk@oaklandnet.com
Apply for a speaker’s card:
http://www.oaklandnet.com/cityclerk/speaker_instructions.htm
Your “film voice” and “camera voice” are mighty. I know you’ll be beautifully “vocal” tomorrow at City Council meeting. Thank you for inspiring me to read Saving Your Library: A Guide to Getting, Using and Keeping the Power You Need by Sally Gardner Reed.
Here’s Amy Martin’s letter to Mayor Quan: http://oaklandlocal.com/posts/2011/05/save-oakland-libraries-letter-mayor-quan-librarian-amy-martin Today, Katy Lever from KGO radio interviewed Amy Martin.
Thank you, journalist Don Hudson! Not only did he show up for 14 hours-14 branches READ IN to Save Oakland Library (all branches) but also he helped the wonderful volunteers today.
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I am Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart and Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days, asking Mayor Jean Quan, City Council Members, City Administrators, and Everyone who Care about Oakland to please keep Oakland “literate” !
Help our underdog public libraries.
Libraries provide safe space for learning.
Librarians help us identify resources.
Help Oakland survive and thrive by keeping our libraries alive and well.
Email, write letters, call Mayor Quan and City Council Members.
Thank you, Everyone!!!!!
Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan
Help our underdog public libraries in every city, town, incorporated and unincorporated area in the United States of America!
Help our underdog public libraries in Oakland, CA. Mayor Jean Quan and City Council Members, please keep Oakland “literate” ! Libraries provide safe place for young and old; Librarians help us identify resources. Help us survive and thrive.
June 20, 2011, 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
14 Hours, 14 Branches: A Read-In to Save Oakland Libraries
Amphitheater in front of City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA
Save Oakland Libraries created a survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XGGQD7V
Dear Friends, Neighbors, Colleagues,
Please help spread the word about June 20, 2011 Monday’s 14 hours-14 branches READ IN to save Oakland libraries.
If you can’t be there in person, please please call or email Mayor Jean Quan’s office, City Councilmembers, and Oakland City Administration.
Libraries help keep a city “safe” and literate… http://preview.tinyurl.com/14hours
City Council: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/CityCouncil/index.htm
Mayor’s office: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/Mayor/a/ContactUs/index.htm
I’ll be there on Monday; I’ll email too.
Mayor Jean Quan’s Office – officeofthemayor@oaklandnet.com
* District 1 – Jane Brunner jbrunner@oaklandnet.com
* District 2 – Pat Kernighan pkernighan@oaklandnet.com
* District 3 – Nancy Nadel nnadel@oaklandnet.com
* District 4 – Libby Schaaf lschaaf@oaklandnet.com
* District 5 – Ignacio De La Fuente idelafuente@oaklandnet.com
* District 6 – Desley Brooks dbrooks@oaklandnet.com
* District 7 – Larry Reid lreid@oaklandnet.com
* At-Large – Rebecca Kaplan atlarge@oaklandnet.com
Oakland City Administration – cityadministrator@oaklandnet.com
“Save Oakland Library” saveoaklandlibrary@gmail.com
Our mighty voices are needed. Today, call or stop by your library and ask questions. Help Librarians help us. Thank you!
Thank you, Kathy Shepler, for emailing author and plot teacher Martha Alderson. Thank you, Martha, for bring this urgent matter to my attention.
Writers and Readers, please step out or shout out. To promote literacy and help Oakland Libraries live well. I’ll see you all there!
Sincerely,
Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan
author of Love Made of Heart
What Do Dr. Andy, Poetry, Technology, Bardi Rosman Koodrin, San Mateo County Fair, Oakland Libraries, and Coach Teresa Have In Common?
Promoting literacy, literary arts and underdogs (a.k.a. libraries) . . .
Thank you, Dr. Andy O. Jones, for contacting me when you needed an expert/local celebrity to fill 20 minutes of air time on your wonderful radio show “Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour” and giving me a chance to invite your fans to fun literary events at the San Mateo County Fair June 11-19, 2011 . To see the schedule of workshops and authors Thursday through Saturday click here: Literary Arts Stage in the Expo Hall at San Mateo County Fair
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And thank you for letting me broadcast about helping our underdog public libraries in Oakland, CA. Mayor Jean Quan and City Council Members, please keep Oakland “literate” !
June 20, 2011, 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
14 Hours, 14 Branches: A Read-In to Save Oakland Libraries
Amphitheater in front of City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA
Dear Friends, Neighbors, Colleagues,
Please help spread the word about June 20, 2011 Monday’s 14 hours-14 branches READ IN to save Oakland libraries.
If you can’t be there in person, please please call or email Mayor Jean Quan’s office and City Councilmembers.
Libraries help keep a city “safe” and literate… http://preview.tinyurl.com/14hours
City Council: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/CityCouncil/index.htm
Mayor’s office: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/Mayor/a/ContactUs/index.htm
I’ll be there on Monday; I’ll email too.
Mayor Jean Quan’s Office – officeofthemayor@oaklandnet.com
* District 1 – Jane Brunner jbrunner@oaklandnet.com
* District 2 – Pat Kernighan pkernighan@oaklandnet.com
* District 3 – Nancy Nadel nnadel@oaklandnet.com
* District 4 – Libby Schaaf lschaaf@oaklandnet.com
* District 5 – Ignacio De La Fuente idelafuente@oaklandnet.com
* District 6 – Desley Brooks dbrooks@oaklandnet.com
* District 7 – Larry Reid lreid@oaklandnet.com
* At-Large – Rebecca Kaplan atlarge@oaklandnet.com
Oakland City Administration – cityadministrator@oaklandnet.com
Our mighty voices are needed. Today, call or stop by your library and ask questions. Help Librarians help us. Thank you!
Thank you, Kathy Shepler, for emailing author and plot teacher Martha Alderson. Thank you, Martha, for bring this urgent matter to my attention.
Writers and Readers, please step out this week and next Monday. Step out to promote literacy at the San Mateo County Fair and help Oakland Libraries. I’ll see you all there!
Sincerely,
Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan
What Is Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour?
Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour is a weekly public affairs program on radio station KDVS 90.3 FM heard live on Wednesday afternoons at 5 p.m., Pacific. On the air since the year 2000, Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour features interviews with local and faraway poets, innovative thinkers in the worlds of technology and social media, and practitioners of many other forms of creativity, including theatre, music, and writing across media. Poets with new books, creative innovators with new projects, and the representative of any local arts enterprise are invited to contact Dr. Andy to schedule an appearance on Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour.
Cheers to Dr. Andy, his show, U.C. Davis, and independent community freeform radio!
Sincerely,
Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan
author of Love Made of Heart

author and writing coach Teresa LeYung Ryan uses her mighty voice to say "Help our libraries and librarians help us stay literate."
Before I answer that question, I’d like to introduce you to my colleagues who are fine poets / excellent performers of their poetry. I had asked them to send me links to their articles about mothers.
By Yolande Barial, a mom of 3, contributor in the anthologies If Women Ruled the World and Oakland’s Neighborhoods :
http://yolandebarial.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/www-examiner-com/
http://www.redroom.com/blog/yolandebarial/happy-mothers-day
http://www.redroom.com/blog/yolandebarial/thanks-mom
http://www.redroom.com/blog/yolandebarial/like-daughterlike-mother
http://www.examiner.com/motherhood-in-stockton/yolande-barial
Joan Gelfand’s article “Mother’s Day Without Mom” for the Huffington Post
And, here are authors whose books are about relationships with mothers or mother-figures:
Lynn Scott – A Joyful Encounter: My Mother, My Alzheimer Clients, and Me
Deborah Grossman - Goldie and Me
Luisa Adams - Woven of Water
Lynn Henriksen – Telltale Souls
Linda Joy Myers - Don’t Call Me Mother
Matilda Butler - Rosie’s Daughters
Kate Farrell - Wisdom Has a Voice: Daughters Remember Mothers
(me) Teresa LeYung Ryan - Love Made of Heart
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Coach Teresa, what did you do on Mother’s Day this year?
Thank you for asking. The day before Mother’s Day, I had helped dear colleague Mary E. Knippel create multiple videos about her fun Coaxing Creativity workshops:
http://www.youtube.com/maryeknippel#p/a/u/0/xZ2GgqEE3Q4
http://www.youtube.com/maryeknippel#p/a/u/1/JsaPHrUvVfo
Her events are all inspiring. “Simple” and “abundant” best describe what I get from Mary Knippel’s workshops.
The next Day (Mother’s Day) I met artist Chandra Garsson on Hayes Street.
Lunch at La Boulange Cafe & Bakery was delightful, sitting in the corner, with view of the entire cafe and looking out onto Hayes Street. My mom would have liked this place. People eating tasty-looking salads, sandwiches, soups, baked goods; you can see the baked goods and pre-made sandwiches in the counters, all appealing. People reading newspapers and drinking beverages. High ceiling; a European-feel about the place.
Then Chandra treated me to San Francisco Ballet’s hypnotically beautiful production of The Little Mermaid. The story (tragedy) was written by Hans Christian Andersen.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150573069220430&oid=27923251292&comments
Principal dancer Yuan Yuan Tan says: “on stage … I am dancing without thinking.”
Thank you, Chandra, for giving me a day of bittersweet beauty.
I come home and there’s a Happy Mother’s Day e-card in my inbox from publicity expert Lin Lacombe. The animated card shows a wishing well. I make my wish for my mom–wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, I wish you lots and lots of joy and love.
Sincerely,
author of Love Made of Heart
author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days
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To submit your comment to any post in my blog, click on the blue header (title bar) of the post and fill in the boxes; then be sure to click “submit comment” otherwise your comment will be lost and you’d have to fill in boxes again. I’d like to hear from you.
Coach Teresa, what happened at Asian Heritage Street Celebration?
Everyday is an adventure for us writers. The AHSC street fair (on Larkin Street between Grove St. and Ellis St.) was yesterday May 21, 2011, 11:00am-6:00pm
Margie Yee Webb and I rendezvoused a bit after 8:00am at our booth to set up; we were assigned booth F-18 (the 300 block of Larkin St., just yards away from the Asian Art Museum).
Margie is a pro at staging–she brought strings of colorful paper lanterns, red table clothes, a pot of silk irises, California Writers Club literature, and her vibrant display of her gift book Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life.
I brought the blow-ups of our book covers; Margie had clips.
AHSC volunteers were friendly and helpful. Special thanks to Angela Pang of AsianWeek Foundation.
Patricia Tsang, M.D. was the third member of our booth. Dr. Tsang’s book is Optimal Healing: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine
The public couldn’t wait until 11:00am; they started browsing around 10:00am.
Here’s a partial list of delightful people I talked to:
Harvey of Eastwind Books of Berkeley told me he carries my novel Love Made of Heart and asked me to deliver a presentation at his store. I’d love to do that, and, also present my workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days.
Beverly Lee wants to invite me, Margie and Patricia to her authors series at On Lok Senior Center.
Gemma Nemenzo invited us to exhibit our books at the Filipino American International Book Festival this year.
Mary Moreno gifted me a copy of Tao I: The Way of All Life (Soul Power series) by Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha.
Margie Yee Webb’s sister Pearl introduced me to Jeff Adachi, director of the film You Don’t Know Jack: the Jack Soo Story.
Lucian Dang, ESL teacher, invited me to be a guest speaker on his online class.
Margie’s sisters Pearl, Linda, Anna, Betty, and her nieces and nephews came to cheer for us. Patricia’s former patients were delighted to see retired Dr. Tsang at the street fair.
Dear friend Jonathan came by with his bicycle and baked goods!
Mona! What a surprise. Inge Horton, fellow member of Women’s National Book Association, showed up — what a treat!
Fred Glynn came by to show me his book Authors of the Bible . Fred said he was on the Internet looking for information on Claudia Boutote of Harper One . . . because I had “tagged” Claudia in my May 6, 2011 blog post, Fred found me through my blog ! My clients (if you’re reading this), are you smiling? Don’t I always encourage you to spend time “tagging” on cyberspace? Help your fans find you.
Elliotte Mao !!! Elliotte trekked all the way from the mid-Peninsula. CWC-SF Peninsula branch guest speaker was Scott James (aka Kemble Scott) and I would have been at that meeting if the street fair was another day.
More magic. James Scott (not Scott James) and his partner Richard came by our booth. James Scott illustrates architecture. He demonstrated this talent for Margie, Patricia and me to see.
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Renel! The KISS 98.1 booth was directly across from our booth. Here I am — a Renel fan.
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Did Coach Teresa have fun? Yes! Being with colleagues, seeing friends, meeting folks who like to read and share the joy of reading, celebrating Asian American heritage, eating a Thai lunch, seeing the red dragon . . . 
“Building your writer’s platform ought to be fun!”
I’m cheering for you!
Sincerely,
Coach Teresa

Kim Randolph helps her clients promote their E-waste businesses so Coach Teresa dubs Kim "E-waste Liaison"
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Writing Career Coach Teresa, where will you be at Asian Heritage Street Celebration (street fair) in San Francisco?
It’s going to be so much fun! Saturday May 21, 2011, 11:00am – 6:00pm
Look for me (author and writing career coach Teresa LeYung Ryan) and my colleagues on Larkin Street, Booth F-18 (on the 300 block of Larkin St., between McAllister St. & Golden Gate Ave. ), the block north of Asian Art Museum, same side of the street.
Margie Yee Webb has orchestrated our California Writers Club booth. I went to Copy Edge (the folks are nice there) on University Ave. in Berkeley to get blow-ups of our book covers. Dr. Patricia Tsang will join us this year. Lloyd Lofthouse might be there again this year. Look for Booth F-18 with our beautiful book covers and the California Writers Club “sail on” logo. See you at Booth F-18 !
I wish I could bring the street fair to my friend Diane . . .
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Build Your Writer's Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW
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How Do Authors Celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in San Francisco?
Saturday, May 21, 2011, 11:00am – 6:00pm Asian Heritage Street Celebration (AHSC), organized by the AsianWeek Foundation
Two years ago author Margie Yee Webb helped me reconnect with the Asian-American community by inviting me to exhibit my book Love Made of Heart at the Asian Heritage Street Celebration (AHSC). Thank you, Margie!
This year 2011 Margie Yee Webb (author of Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings), Lloyd Lofthouse (author of My Splendid Concubine), Patricia Tsang, M.D. (author of Optimal Healing: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine) and yours truly Teresa LeYung Ryan (author of Love Made of Heart and Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days) will share a booth. Please stop by the California Writers Club booth and say hello if you’re going to the Asian Heritage Street Celebration on Larkin Street (between Grove St. and Ellis St.), San Francisco–close to BART Civic Center station.
Free Admission to Asian Art Museum Courtesy of Target – Throughout the day during the Asian Heritage Street Celebration May 21, 2011, Admission to the special exhibit “Bali: Art, Ritual, Performance” is $5.
Teresa LeYung Ryan uses her novel Love Made of Heart (Kensington Publishing Corp NY 2002, 2003) to inspire adult-children of mentally-ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and to gain resources for their families.



























