In 2011, the BYP community lost a very special member when Donna Carberry passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Donna was loved by all who knew her. She loved life, her family, hiking, nature, running, music, and yoga. In her own words, Donna was “in love with love.” Her bright smile lit up every class she attended.
Throughout her fight, Donna continued to practice yoga with us. She’d enter the studio with a huge smile every day and always shared her gratitude for each day and each class, despite the effects of chemo or when the cancer degraded her bones.
Before her death, Donna made her husband, John, promise he’d continue to practice yoga after she was gone. This is a promise John has upheld above and beyond.
In Donna’s memory, John and I created the Donna Carberry Memorial fund with the motto, “No Yogi Left Behind.” The fund has been maintained by many donations from John Carberry, including gifts he anonymously bought for fellow yogis to brighten their day on Donna’s birthday.
We use these funds to offer support to fellow yogis when they fall on hard times. In Donna’s memory, we try to raise others up when they need yoga in their lives the most.
The Donna Carberry Memorial Fund has also been supported by gifts from Donna’s former co-workers and donations from generous yogis in our community. All donations to the fund are matched 100% by Blaze Yoga and Pilates.Do you know a yogi in need? Or want to support this scholarship program? Reach out!
