Thank You for Participating in Sugar Bear's 2021 Virtual Memorial Run!

Thank you to everyone who participated in Sugar Bear's Virtual Memorial Run. Your support of this event will help fund our programs for the coming year. If you are a Gold Star/Surviving Spouse or child, we hope you will check out the various programs and opportunities we are currently offering as well as stay tuned for new offerings. If you have not already, sign up for our newsletter, complete our registry and follow us on social media. Additionally, I would like to thank our Sugar Bear Foundation Ambassadors for helping us share our mission, promoting the Virtual Run, and raising awareness on behalf of Gold Star spouses and children. We are very grateful for your time and support! If you are interested in learning more about our Ambassador Program, please contact Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org. It is a great way to give back, get involved with your community, and even earn service hours. We hope you will join us! 

We especially appreciate the Marine Corps Association's belief in and support of our mission and work with Gold Star families. 

As always, if you have an idea or would like to share your time/talents with us, we hope you will reach out to the above email address. We could not do any of our work without such support. 

Thank you,

Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star wife and Chairman

Counting My Blessings

July 22nd will mark eleven years since losing Sugar Bear and although this is a day of tremendous loss for both the kids and me, I have chosen to live life just as Mario had requested. I continue to count my blessings and focus on all that is positive in life. Although we miss his physical presence his spirit lives on in our home, lives, and the work we are doing. I am so fortunate that we have not only been able to sustain our programs but are continuing to grow them. Such endeavors would not be possible without all the support we are receiving. One of my blessings! These programs are so important to me because we have seen the impact they are making on our families. These are also areas (education, career, and financial) that were so important to Sugar Bear. We are literally working to help alleviate the burdens that have been placed on these spouses and children after losing their service member. We want them to have an easier path in life. One that will provide a sense of joy and fulfillment. If you feel so inclined, I will ask if you have not already signed up for Sugar Bear’s Memorial Run to please do so. Your participation will not only help honor all the men and women we have lost in service to our country but help support the spouses and children they leave behind. This event is truly another blessing for me because it not only raises funds for our work but also sheds some light on Surviving Families and supports programs for Marines. Additionally, I would ask you to watch the video, If There’s a Chance to have a better understanding of that day and the incredible Marines that ran to James and Mario. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to continue Sugar Bear’s legacy of service while supporting our mission.

Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star wife and Chairman

Memorial Day Message from Our Chairman

Today we recognize the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. You can help honor their sacrifice by remembering the spouses and children they leave behind. If you know a surviving family, please reach out to them. Take the time to call, text, or send an email. Such a gesture will mean everything and can make a real difference. We want to talk about our loved ones and share their stories. They are still so much a part of our lives and always will be. To families like mine and the spouses and children we serve we live with this day all year long. Part of our mission at The Sugar Bear Foundation is to raise awareness on behalf of Gold Star families so that others might understand what our lives are like after loss. It is an absolute honor for me to carry on Sugar Bear’s legacy of service, work alongside our amazing team, and give back to the families who have given their all.

Thank you,

Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star wife and Chairman

Happy Birthday Sugar Bear!

Happy Birthday Sugar Bear! Today we celebrate you, your life and service and we ask our friends in honor of our hero’s life to register for the Virtual Sugar Bear Memorial Run. Your participation not only goes directly towards our programs for Gold Star spouses and children but also to those of the Marine Corps Association. We cannot think of a better way to celebrate Sugar Bear’s special day than by helping us support his beloved Marine Corps and the families who have given their all-in service to our great country. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about our programs for Gold Star spouses and children as well as one spouse’s account of the impact our donors are having on their lives.

Thank you for helping us continue Sugar Bear’s legacy of service, your support and participation in this year’s Virtual Memorial Run.

Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star wife and Chairman