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"Be Yourself"

-WIlliam Wolfgang Shaw

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On February 19, 2019, William Shaw died in a tragic ski accident while on vacation with his family in Big Sky, MT. He was 9 years old, in 3rd grade at the Carlisle Public School.

William was a true individual. He was known to his friends and family as a kind and quirky kid with wild, wavy blonde hair. He could always be found wearing flat brimmed hats and skinny jeans. He loved what he deemed "extreme" sports, including parkour, skateboarding, mountain biking, and ski racing. William was as comfortable rapping the lyrics to Hamilton as he was climbing the backstop at his brother's baseball game, and he easily became a friend to anyone he met. His heart was huge and he loved with every inch of his bean-pole body. 
 

William also struggled with anxiety and self doubt. Through work with a therapist, he learned how to manage his mental obstacles and discovered how to be true to himself. "Be Yourself" was an intention he set for himself in 2018, and for the last year of his life he fully embraced this spirit. His enthusiasm infected all those around him, and his friends have since strived to embody the beautiful mantra of "Be Yourself."

"It takes strength to face our sadness and to grieve and to let our grief and our anger flow in tears when they need to. It takes strength to talk about our feelings and to reach out for help and comfort when we need it."
-Fred Rogers

WBYC

In the aftermath of William's sudden death, a group of Carlisle parents were searching for a way to navigate grief with their children. They came together to organize WBYC's inaugural event, the William's Flat Brimmed Parkour Challenge (WFBPC). Seeing their children plan an event in their friend's honor made them realize the importance of community in healing from traumatic events. 

 

At the wrap meeting for the parkour event, there was so much enthusiasm for what this group could accomplish. A mission statement was developed, more events were envisioned, and an organization was born. WBYC has grown from the understanding that you can both miss your friend and find meaning in his death by forging a hopeful path forward.

 

WBYC strives to give children agency over their feelings and teach them that it is powerful and brave to share their emotions. We all experience hard things, and when we come together in common purpose, we all benefit.

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Founders

Board Members

Cady Audette

Bridget Ferrari

John Furfey

Jenna Kedrie

Andrew Kiezulas

Steph Koch

Carrie Patel 

Amy Smack

Jessie Svatek

Learn More

2024 Speaker Series

Nick & Susie Shaw talk about their journey through grief for the 5 year anniversary of William's death. Please take a few moments to watch this inspiring lecture.

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My Teacher My Son

Nick Shaw is an accomplished executive coach and author, known for his profound insights into personal transformation and self-discovery. His new book My Teacher, My Son is a poignant reflection on his journey through grief and finding meaning in the face of unimaginable loss.

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