Monday Morning Good News: September 16

Grief is a complicated emotion. A profound loss can break a heart and bring unexpected emotional and physical pain that lasts for months or even years. As Marcella Johnson says, “Grief has no expiration date.” It can devastate, but it can also inspire. 

Johnson knows this from experience. In 1999, her fourth child was diagnosed in utero with osteogenesis imperfecta type 2, a life-limiting disease. George was born on April 11, 1999, and died that same day.

“I got to hold him and look into his big blue eyes and tell him that I loved him,” she recalls. “That was very special for my family.”

In the days that followed, Johnson was swept up in sorrow and a physical pain she couldn’t understand. Her heart felt as though it physically ached; the only relief came from pressing on her chest, as if tending to an open wound. Her arms hurt, too, and rubbing them or applying ointment did nothing to ease the pain. She later came to understand the heart pain as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as takotsubo syndrome or broken heart syndrome, a condition that was little understood at the time. She also experienced what’s commonly called empty arm syndrome, though it isn’t an official diagnosis. “It’s when your arms are literally aching to hold your child,” she says.

A week later, Johnson found an unexpected source of relief. Someone had left a terracotta pot of flowers at George’s gravesite, and her father urged her to take it home. When she held the pot, the aching began to subside.

“It was a cold, hard terracotta pot, but the weight of it gave me comfort. I felt an immediate response, and I thought, I can’t say anything to anyone. This is so weird,” she says. “I got home and I did not want to put that terracotta pot down. I found myself walking around the house, and every time I put it down, my pain would return. So I didn’t let go of it … I was so desperate to get myself out of pain that I [would] do whatever it takes.”

Johnson soon learned she wasn’t the only grieving mother to find comfort in an inanimate object. Women had found solace in a sack of flour, a pillow, even a pineapple.

Johnson set aside her own grief and thought, I have to do something for these women.

“We needed to get to them before they left the hospital, because for me, leaving the hospital empty-handed was the worst experience of my life,” she says.

She began thinking about what might help. At George’s funeral, guests had brought stuffed animals to donate. Seeing a Beanie Baby at the top of the pile sparked an idea: What if she made a teddy bear about the size of a baby?

“It’s not uncommon for a grown woman to have a stuffed animal. And the teddy bear, the Comfort Cub that we came up with, if you look at it, you have no idea that it’s a therapeutic tool,” she says.

Johnson went to a predecessor of Build-A-Bear Workshop and filled a teddy bear with split peas. After a few tries, she found a weight that felt right. At first, she made every Comfort Cub by hand and included a personalized note. Soon, the bears were being donated to mothers who had lost a child at hospitals throughout San Diego. Johnson’s effort later expanded to select hospitals across the country.

As weighted blankets became more popular, Johnson saw growing interest in the calming effects of deep pressure. Research on weighted blankets suggests they may help some people feel calmer, though the evidence remains limited. Johnson also realized Comfort Cubs might help people beyond grieving mothers. She brought them to the San Diego Police Department for use during trauma cases. “They were very well received,” she says.

Today, through her nonprofit, the Comfort Cub Program, therapeutic bears are given to families grieving the loss of an infant and to survivors of violent crimes.

The organization has provided Comfort Cubs to individuals, families, first responders, and communities across the country affected by tragedy, trauma, and loss. Bears went to families of victims after the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting and the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, as well as to people affected by the wildfires in Maui and Los Angeles and the catastrophic flood that killed 28 people at Camp Mystic for Girls in Hunt, Texas. Johnson recently traveled to New York to donate more than 1,000 bears to surviving family members attending the VOICES 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium and Commemorative Luncheon, a 9/11 memorial event.

Johnson called the experience “humbling.”

“Whether a loss happened yesterday, five years ago, or 25 years ago, the need for emotional healing and support remains essential,” Johnson says. “Grief has no expiration date—and neither should comfort.”

The USS Midway has a storied history. The longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century has served as a home base for helicopters carrying fleeing refugees during the fall of Saigon, played a key role in developing naval missile warfare, and evacuated civilian personnel after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines. The Midway was decommissioned in 1992 and today stands as a monument to military history, drawing more than 1 million visitors each year. Its team of more than 750 volunteers supports this mission, doing everything from leading tours to controlling corrosion to operating HAM radio. Among them is Paul “Chappie” Ward, who has clocked more than 12,000 volunteer hours at the museum since 2018. Here, he details how he helps “bring history to life.” 

*Responses edited for length and clarity.  

How did you first get involved with the USS Midway Museum?

My connection to the USS Midway Museum began in 2010, when my wife and I came to San Diego for a Civil Air Patrol conference. My wife Nan and I had wanted to live in San Diego since vacationing here over the years, so San Diego was always on our radar. A couple of days before the conference began, my oldest son, his father-in-law, and I toured the Midway and I was immediately inspired by the experience. I remember telling Nan on the trip home that if we ever retired to San Diego, I would love to become involved with the Midway. In the subsequent years, our two granddaughters were born. In 2017, we retired and moved from San Luis Obispo to be closer to family. Nan reminded me of what I had said years earlier and encouraged me to follow through. I joined Docent Class #57 in January 2018, earned my “yellow hat” [upon completing the training] that March, and have been proud to be part of the Midway ever since.

What do your duties entail? 

The Midway offers an incredible range of ways to serve, and I’ve had the privilege of contributing to five teams while also serving as the museum’s volunteer chaplain. As a docent, I bring the ship’s history to life through stories and guided experiences. With Guest Services, I help visitors plan their time aboard and make the most of their visit. On the Exhibits team, I help ensure the displays tell the Midway’s story accurately and meaningfully. Along with other members of the Library/Curatorial team, I research and provide information to former Midway sailors and their family members. Through Outreach and the Speakers Bureau, I represent the museum at community events, parades, and service clubs. I also administer the Midway Sailors Program Facebook group, where former crewmembers can reconnect with one another and with the ship. As chaplain, I help plan and officiate celebrations of life and weddings, and I offer invocations and benedictions at special events aboard the Midway. 

What do you like best about volunteering for the Midway?

What I value most is what we call “Midway Magic.” It’s hard to define, but you feel it the moment you step aboard—the camaraderie among staff and volunteers, the shared passion for the ship, and the commitment to giving every guest an unforgettable experience.

At the end of the day, there is deep satisfaction in knowing you helped preserve and share something important. The Midway is “America’s Living Symbol of Freedom,” and we have the privilege of honoring the more than 200,000 people who served aboard her during 47 years of service, from the end of World War II through the Persian Gulf War. Sharing their service and sacrifice with my granddaughters and with visitors from around the world is one of the greatest rewards of volunteering here.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

My biggest challenge was simply wondering if I could do this. I came from the civilian world as a retired pastor and former computer IT professional with a law enforcement agency. I had also served as a volunteer chaplain with the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, but I was not a veteran and had no Navy background. Stepping onto a Navy ship and learning its systems, language, and culture was a real adjustment. What made the difference was the Midway’s commitment to training and mentorship. Every department gives volunteers the knowledge, resources, and hands-on support they need to succeed. Docents, for example, complete a seven-week course combined with on-the-job training with experienced volunteers. Over time, I learned, grew, and found my place. More than 12,000 volunteer hours later, I can confidently say that I could do it, and so can others who are willing to learn.

Can you describe your favorite or most memorable moment or experience while volunteering?    

One of my most memorable experiences began in April 2025, when a former Midway sailor contacted me through the Facebook group I administer. During Operation Desert Storm, his wife had sent him a birthday card. As he was preparing to leave Yokosuka in 1991, the card slipped behind a desk in his stateroom and disappeared into a narrow space. His wife passed away in 2015, and he told me how much it would mean to hold that card again and share it with their daughter. I reached out to the Safety Office, and when he returned to the Midway on April 30, our team worked a little “Midway Magic.” With access to the stateroom and help moving the desk, we found the card and placed it back in his hands. After 34 years, he was able to share it with his daughter, Cheryl. It was a powerful reminder that this ship holds not only history, but deeply personal stories that are still unfolding.

Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back?

Start by finding a cause or organization that genuinely aligns with your interests and values. Then take the time to learn its story, understand its purpose, and get involved. The more you invest, the more meaningful the experience becomes—not only for the people you serve, but for you as well. Volunteering is a powerful way to give back, build community, and discover just how much you have to offer.

Giving back is always in fashion. The Country Friends, a 72-year-old nonprofit that fundraises for charitable causes, hosted its annual Art of Fashion runway show and luncheon at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on September 10. Models showcased the latest designer looks from Balmain, Camilla, Eleventy, Eres, Ferragamo, Lanvin, Max Mara, and Monique Lhuillier, while guests shopped mini-boutiques set up by event partner South Coast Plaza, participated in a live auction, and dined on a three-course luncheon. Proceeds from the event will support dozens of local nonprofits that provide assistance to women, children, seniors, military families, and people with disabilities. To date, The Country Friends has provided more than $15 million to San Diego-based charities.

Photo Credit: Melissa Jacobs

October 2: Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Tournament

Former NFL quarterback Drew Brees will host a slew of celebrity athletes, chefs, and other hunger-relief supporters for a Celebrity Pickleball Tournament to raise money for Feeding San Diego. The tournament at the Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma is part of the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival, which has raised more than $100,000 for Feeding San Diego and other local nonprofit organizations since 2023.

October 3: Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute Illumination Gala

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will celebrate 50 years of groundbreaking research at its Illumination Gala at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Support from the gala will help Sanford Burnham Prebys continue to advance medicine and change lives.  

October 3: San Diego Humane Society’s 40th Annual Fur Ball

San Diego Humane Society supporters—both people and pets—will get dressed to the nines for the 40th annual Fur Ball. Proceeds from the event at San Diego Humane Society’s Gaines Street campus will support the organization’s efforts to care for more than 40,000 animals each year. 

October 3: Voices for Children Starry Starry Night Gala

Voices for Children will celebrate the impact of its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) at its Starry Starry Night Gala on the Heron Lawn at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. The 46-year-old organization is the only agency in the county designated to provide CASAs to advocate for local foster children.

October 3: Autism Society of San Diego Diamond Anniversary Gala 

Show off your sparkle at the Autism Society of San Diego Diamond Anniversary Gala at the Town & Country Resort. The nonprofit will celebrate six decades of service with dinner, entertainment, and special guests.   

October 11: Robin’s Nest Rescue Rockin’ Robin Music Fest

More than 30 performers will take the stage to support Robin’s Nest Rescue at its fourth annual Rockin’ Robin Music Fest. The five-acre animal sanctuary in Ramona will also celebrate America’s 250th birthday, showcase local artisans, and introduce guests to some of its rescue animals. 

October 17: Adjoin Soil to Soul Garden Party

Local nonprofit Adjoin will host a whimsical garden party fundraiser at a private home in La Mesa. The Soil to Soul Garden Party will support Adjoin’s mission to build inclusive communities and support independence for people with disabilities and veteran families experiencing homelessness.

October 24: Living Coast Discovery Center Farm to Bay

Enjoy bites, beverages, and animal encounters at Living Coast Discovery Center’s Farm to Bay fundraiser. The annual event at the nonprofit zoo and aquarium on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge will support coastal conservation efforts.

Las Patronas turns 80 this year. But its newly minted octogenarian status doesn’t mean the all-volunteer organization is slowing down. On August 8, Las Patronas celebrated eight decades of philanthropy at its Venetian-themed Jewel Ball at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. 

More than 800 attendees attended the philanthropic event, a sold-out black-tie gala, which featured classic Italian sports cars, photo ops in a gondola, a replica of the Orologio tower, and other thoughtful details that set the scene for an elegant and festive evening.

Though the Jewel Ball is one of the highlights of the gala season and the most visible element of Las Patronas’ mission, it’s also an opportunity to thank supporters, showcase the organization’s impact, and cap off fundraising efforts throughout the year.

“Behind the gowns, flowers, and celebration is an extraordinary amount of work and an even more extraordinary group of women who make that work possible. This includes our members, both active and advisory, along with our donors, sponsors, nonprofit partners, and generations of San Diegans who have supported Las Patronas,” says Colleen Lighter, the organization’s president. 

Looking Back on a Legacy 

As Las Patronas celebrated at its 80th annual Jewel Ball, Festa di Venezia, members reflected on how special it is for an organization to remain so vibrant and relevant for eight decades.

Las Patronas was founded in 1946 by a small group of women with a shared desire to give back to their community. In the decades since, Las Patronas has transitioned into one of San Diego’s premier philanthropic organizations, providing financial assistance to nonprofit organizations across an array of causes. Major beneficiaries for 2026, who will each receive grants of more than $20,000 for capital projects, include Alpha Project for the Homeless, Canine Companions, Meals on Wheels San Diego County, National Marine Mammal Foundation, Promises2Kids, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, and Workshops for Warriors. 

“What started with friendship, philanthropy, and service has grown into an organization that has funded more than $28 million in grants for over 4,500 nonprofit organizations throughout San Diego County,” explains Lighter.

She notes that it’s especially meaningful that while San Diego has changed tremendously over the years, Las Patronas’ spirit of giving has held steady. “The needs of our community evolve, the organizations serving those needs evolve, and the things they need to do their work evolve. Our responsibility is to listen, learn, and make thoughtful investments that allow those organizations to serve San Diego more effectively,” she says.

Charity and Commitment

Part of what makes Las Patronas stand out among philanthropic groups is its hands-on approach to service. The Jewel Ball is known for over-the-top décor, with many of its elements crafted in painstaking detail by members of Las Patronas, a tradition dating back to the first Jewel Ball. 

In addition to fundraising throughout the year, leading up to the event, members log long hours in “The Warehouse,” where they put their creative skills to work, painting backdrops, assembling centerpieces, and doing everything it takes to turn the exterior of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club into a grand ballroom. They also haul all of their handiwork to the venue and set up, then break it back down immediately after the event wraps.  

“The motivation behind one extraordinary evening is an entire year of fundraising, grantmaking, and thousands of hours of volunteer work,” says Lighter. 

That collaborative spirit stretches far longer than just a year. Las Patronas keeps its roster of members intentionally small and highly engaged. To ensure senior members stay on long enough to hold a handful of leadership positions and show newer members the ropes, the organization requires a commitment of six to seven years. It also requires all members to work with its grants committee, visit eligible nonprofit organizations that apply for grants, and assist in the vetting and selection processes.  

“Our members have careers, families, and very full lives, yet they make an extraordinary commitment of time. Members participate in fundraising, evaluate grant requests, visit nonprofit organizations, serve on committees, and quite literally build and produce the Jewel Ball together,” says Lighter. “That investment of time is part of what makes Las Patronas and the relationships we form within the group special. We don’t simply raise money and write checks. We do the work ourselves, shoulder-to-shoulder, and we take stewardship of the money entrusted to us very seriously.” 

The Past Carries the Future

Lighter says Las Patronas is defined not by moments or events, but by its traditions, which will continue for generations to come.  

“When you think about the generations of women who have given their time, talent, and energy to Las Patronas since 1946 and the donors, sponsors, advisory members, and community partners who have believed in our mission, you realize that our job is both to honor what they built and make sure it remains relevant and strong for the future,” she says.  

And though events like Jewel Ball are rewarding, the real magic happens once the funds are put to work. Lighter recalls one story that captures the quiet impact Las Patronas hopes to continue to make. A woman reached out to say that as a child, she’d attended a school where Las Patronas had funded a new floor and noted how much brighter the campus felt. It may not sound transformational, but it made a difference, and decades later, people still remember.   

“That is what capital giving can do. A vehicle can allow an organization to reach people it couldn’t reach before. A piece of medical equipment can expand care. A commercial kitchen can allow a nonprofit to feed more people or train people in a new profession so they can flourish. Technology can help an organization serve an entirely new population and expand their impact,” she explains. “We aren’t trying to tell nonprofits what they need. We listen to them, learn about their work, and help provide the critical tools they tell us will allow them to do more of it.” 

As she looks to the next 80 years, Lighter’s hope is that Las Patronas continues to evolve without losing what makes it special: thoughtful stewardship, hands-on service, friendship, and an unwavering commitment to San Diego.

“The needs will change. The nonprofits will change. San Diego will change. Las Patronas will change with it, but our mission will always remain the same,” she says.

Photos Credit: Melissa Jacobs