Second Chance Brings About New Beginning

Community Foundation of Westmoreland County donor advisor, Malinda Cecchini-Sherid, knows firsthand how important second chances are. Malinda’s late husband Fred Cecchini died Christmas night, 1999, of a fatal heart attack. Just fourteen short months later her precious daughter Kimberly died of injuries she received in a car accident. At 16 years of age Kimberly made the courageous choice to be an organ donor. Through her gift of donation she has given a second chance at life to her many recipients. Through the encouragement of Malinda’s new husband, John Sherid, the Second Chance Fund was created.

The Second Chance Fund was established in August 2006 and makes grants to 501c3 non-profit organizations whose missions support organ donation education, transplant programs and transplant organizations. In just three years over $20,000 has been raised in support of such organizations. Grants have been given to the American Heart Association, CORE (Center for Organ Recovery & Education) and the National Kidney Foundation.

Malinda and John created the ‘Second Chance Walk’ to walk in remembrance of our loved ones who have gone before us. The walk gives people the opportunity to reflect on the memories left behind yet celebrate the life they shared with us. The walk is to promote organ donation and those given a second chance at life through the miracle of transplant.

The Second Chance Walk at Twin Lakes Park in Greensburg, PA

October 2, 2010 will be the third year for the Second Chance Walk.  The walk will be held at Twin Lakes Park in Westmoreland County. The Second Chance Walk is a great chance for teams, families or individuals to participate in a fun-filled event while celebrating the gift of life. It is an opportunity to walk in memory of a loved one; to walk in honor of someone who was given a second chance in life through the gift of transplant; to walk due to receiving a second chance through bypass surgery; or just to enjoy a walk around the beautiful Twin Lakes Park. 

Malinda’s amazing spirit and generous heart is a shining example of how second chances and new beginnings can be borne from sadness. Malinda is a frequent speaker on behalf of C.O.R.E. and similar charitable organizations and has a gentle and caring way of sharing her story with others whilst educating and guiding people to make smart choices about organ donation. In addition to the Second Chance Fund, Malinda has a scholarship fund in memory of her daughter, Kim, which celebrates Kim’s love of life and community. The scholarship benefits graduates of Greensburg Salem High School who strive to excel beyond their innate talent and intellect, reaching back for something extra to make a difference. 

Inquiries about the Second Chance Walk can be directed to:

Malinda Cecchini-Sherid
724-834-3933
231 LaCosta Drive
Greensburg, PA  15601
mrsc1124@comcast.net
www.secondchancewalk.com
or to the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County.