imadmin, Author at Kinzler Foundation Site

Kinzler Teams Participated in the 2023 Amway RiverBank Run

The RiverBank Run is a bittersweet event for the Kinzler Foundation as it was, in essence, the catalyst for our founding. In 2011, Jason Kinzler, beloved husband, father, friend, and GVSU Hall of Fame athlete, died one mile short of the RBR finish line due to an undiagnosed heart condition. Jason’s wife Kristi and several of their closest friends founded this organization to help families facing what Kristi faced- suddenly being the sole provider/caregiver for young children- though without the resources she had. Since our founding, the Kinzler Foundation has empowered close to 250 West Michigan families to move forward after sudden loss by providing short-term financial assistance for basic family needs and by connecting families to existing community resources for longer-term support.

Hannah Kinzler, now a senior at Michigan State, ran the race again this year with a team from F45 studio in east Lansing. A team of Kinzler Board members and assisted families also participated in the 5K walk.

2023 Riverbank Run Gallery

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To donate to our team in support of the Kinzler Foundation’s mission to assist local families maintain stability during crisis, please click here.

Kinzler Family First Thanks the Brian Reiffer Addiction Awareness 5k For Supporting Our Mission

The Kinzler Family First Foundation would like to thank the Brian Reiffer Addiction Awareness 5K for their support this past weekend! Events like this one are a big reason Kinzler is able to help so many families in West Michigan, and we cannot thank them enough for helping us with our mission!

Hosted by Max Effort, the Brian Reiffer Addiction Awareness 5K run/walk’s objective was to raise awareness related to addiction and overdose, raising money to support local agencies and families impacted by addiction. All proceeds from the event went on to support the children of Brian Reiffer, and the Kinzler Family First Foundation.

Ray Duimstra attended this event on our behalf, setting up and operating an informational booth. Take a look at some photos of Ray with friends and relatives of Brian at the race below!

About Brian Reiffer

Brian Reiffer was a well-known and loved Caledonia community member. Brian lost his battle with opioid addiction in July of 2021 leaving behind 4 young children. After Brian’s death, his family was supported by the Jason Kinzler Family First Foundation. This foundation gives support and financial assistance to families, with minor children, who have experienced the unexpected loss of a parent and/or primary caregiver. This event will not only provide financial support but also create an opportunity to share life-saving information related to addiction and overdose. For more information about this event, click here.

5K and 10K Training Has Begun for the 2022 Amway River Bank Run!

Save The Date: 10K Run and 5K Community Walk on May 14th 2022

Have you been considering joining a 5K walk or a 10K run? Training is already underway for the 45th Annual Amway River Bank Run, but it’s not too late to join in!

If you’ve run a few 5K races and often thought that you can push yourself further, 10K training is the perfect opportunity to see what you’re capable of. Set and accomplish new goals for yourself, get ready for a bigger, more exciting race, and maybe make some friends in the process! Get more information on the upcoming Fox Honda 10K here, and see the training schedule here.

If running isn’t your thing but you still want to support causes like ours, consider joining the upcoming Acrisure 5K Community Walk! Get more info on the walk here and see the training schedule here.

Both events begin on the morning of Saturday, May 14th 2022 with check-in on May 13th. For updates, please visit AmwayRiverBankRun.com

Dealing with Grief During the Pandemic

The Kinzler Foundation exists to help families who experience the sudden loss of a breadwinner. We are not strangers to grief. Grief can also be heightened during the holiday season and during the pandemic. The CDC has links to resources and information on grief, some of which we’ve excerpted here. Please share with those in need, and if you’re able, DONATE to help West Michigan families through their darkest days.

Grief & Loss

Many people are experiencing grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grief is a normal response to loss during or after a disaster or other traumatic event. Grief can happen in response to loss of life, as well as to drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that usually bring us comfort and a feeling of stability. Common grief reactions include:

Shock, disbelief, or denial
Anxiety
Distress
Anger
Periods of sadness
Loss of sleep and loss of appetite

Some people may experience multiple losses during a disaster or large-scale emergency event. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be unable to be with a loved one when they die, or unable to mourn someone’s death in-person with friends and family. Other types of loss include unemployment, or not making enough money, loss or reduction in support services, and other changes in your lifestyle. These losses can happen at the same time, which can complicate or prolong grief and delay a person’s ability to adapt, heal, and recover.

People cope with losses in different ways. If you need help dealing with your loss, resources are available to help:

Adolescents may also experience grief in ways that are both similar to and different than children and adults. Adolescents may experience significant changes in their sleep patterns, isolate themselves more, frequently appear irritable or frustrated, withdraw from usual activities, or engage more frequently with technology. It is important for parents or caregivers to engage with their adolescents over their grief to promote healthy coping and acceptance. Parents may also need to obtain mental health services for the adolescent and family to deal with grief.

Grief During the Pandemic

Grieving the loss of a loved one while coping with the fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic can be especially overwhelming. Social distancing, “stay-at home-orders,” and limits on the size of in-person gatherings have changed the way friends and family can gather and grieve, including holding traditional funeral services, regardless of whether or not the person’s death was due to COVID-19. However, these types of prevention strategies are important to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Some actions you can take to help you cope with feelings of grief after the loss of a loved include:

Connecting with other people
- Invite people to call you or host conference calls with family members and friends to stay connected.
- Ask family and friends to share stories and pictures with you via mailed letters, email, phone, or video chat or via apps or social media that allow groups to share with each other (e.g., group chat, group messaging, Facebook).
- Coordinate a date and time for family and friends to honor your loved one by reciting a selected poem, spiritual reading, or prayer within their own households.
Creating memories or rituals.
- Develop a virtual memory book, blog, or webpage to remember your loved one, and ask family and friends to contribute their memories and stories.
- Take part in an activity, such as planting a tree or preparing a favorite meal, that has significance to you and the loved one who died.
Asking for help from others
- Seek out grief counseling or mental health services, support groups, or hotlines, especially those that can be offered over the phone or online.
- Seek spiritual support from faith-based organizations, including your religious leaders and congregations, if applicable.
- Seek support from other trusted community leaders and friends.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family and close friends of a person who died of COVID-19 may experience stigma, such as social avoidance or rejection. Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger towards other people. Some people may avoid contacting you, your family members, and friends when they would normally reach out to you. Stigma related to COVID-19 is less likely to occur when people know the facts and share them with extended family, friends, and others in your community.

Helping Children Cope with Grief

Children may show grief differently than adults. Children may have a particularly hard time understanding and coping with the loss of a loved one. Sometimes children appear sad and talk about missing the person or act out. Other times, they play, interact with friends, and do their usual activities. As a result of measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19, they may also grieve over loss of routines such as going to school and playing with friends. Parents and other caregivers play an important role in helping children process their grief.

To support a child who may be experiencing grief:

Ask questions to determine the child’s emotional state and better understand their perceptions of the event.
Give children permission to grieve by allowing time for children to talk or to express thoughts or feelings in creative ways.
Provide age and developmentally appropriate answers.
Practice calming and coping strategies with your child.
Take care of yourself and model coping strategies for your child.
Maintain routines as much as possible.
Spend time with your child, reading, coloring, or doing other activities they enjoy.

Signs that children may need additional assistance include changes in their behavior (such as acting out, not interested in daily activities, changes in eating and sleeping habits, persistent anxiety, sadness, or depression). Speak to your child’s healthcare provider if troubling reactions seem to go on too long, interfere with school or relationships with friends or family, or if you are unsure of or concerned about how your child is doing.

Author: imadmin