The Family Christmas Letter aka The Gregory Weiner Foundation

Dear Family and Friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we open this year’s update. Our son/brother Gregory passed away on December 20th from injuries sustained in a skateboarding accident earlier that week. The accident occurred on the campus of Virginia Tech where Greg was finishing his first semester in the Engineering School. He was transported to a local hospital in Blacksburg and then flown to the Neuro Trauma ICU at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. From the beginning, he received the finest medical care. The outpouring of support, encouragement and prayer from family, friends and strangers was overwhelming, and a source of strength for us all. Greg fought the good fight, but in the end the damage to his brain was just too severe and he never regained consciousness. His family (less Cassandra) was at his side at the end. We plan to hold a modest memorial/remembrance ceremony in Virginia Beach sometime after the New Year. By choice Greg was an organ donor and on Sunday doctors prepared his organs for transplant. We were informed four lives have already been saved after receiving his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Medical research and potentially hundreds of lives will benefit from his tissue, nerve, bone and cell donations. We are so proud of his gift of life. Greg was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Whether he considered it unnecessary, inconvenient or was just exhibiting the invincibility of an 18 year old will never be known. We have decided his legacy must include increasing helmet safety awareness, and are establishing a foundation to do just that. Should you care to donate to this cause, contributions may be sent to:
The Gregory Weiner Foundation
c/o Navy Federal Credit Union
1952 Laskin Road
Suite 513
Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Cassandra is well into her second year as a Peace Corps Volunteer, teaching English in Mongolia. She especially enjoys working with her younger students, as they show a greater willingness to learn and cooperate. Her tour of duty wraps up later next summer and she is undecided on what to do next…a benefit of youth! Meredith is entering her final semester at the University of Virginia (Economics/Math). She is President of the women’s water polo club, lifeguards at the aquatic center, interns in the Athletic Department and volunteers with the Boys/Girls Club. Graduating amidst a faltering economy will make pursuing a career very challenging, but we are confident she will do well. Erin is a sophomore at Virginia Tech (Interdisciplinary Studies). She also plays water polo and is team Treasurer. She has applied for Study Abroad next year, and should find out in January if she has been accepted. Bullet turned 8 last month and is a bundle of energy and affection. Alena works at JCPenney and Dana at COMNAVSURFLANT in Norfolk, VA. The big news is our move to Italy this coming summer where Dana will assume command of the Supply Center in Sigonella (Sicily).

We hope 2008 was a wonderful year for you and yours, and that 2009 will bring additional joy and happiness. Again, we want to thank everyone for your support during our time of grief. Take care and keep in touch.

The Weiner Family
Dana, Alena, Cassandra
Meredith & Erin