Shimmer of Love: Tarqueno Family Craft Project

Jim Tarqueno, a local individual living with ALS, received a heartfelt surprise from his grandchildren and daughter. Together, they created small glitter-filled bottles, snow globe-style keepsakes designed to shimmer in the light. They intended to give Jim something bright to look at and a tangible reminder of his family whenever he is feeling down.

It is a touching example of how creativity can help families stay emotionally connected throughout the ALS journey. Projects like this do not just lift the spirits of the person living with ALS. They also give children meaningful ways to express love, process big feelings, and stay involved.

Why Creative Connection Matters for Kids

When a parent, grandparent, or loved one is diagnosed with ALS, children are affected too. Families often want to protect kids from difficult realities, but young people still experience emotional, social, and behavioral changes as they navigate what is happening around them.

Providing age-appropriate ways for children to engage, such as memory projects, crafts, journaling, or guided conversations, can make a meaningful difference. These activities help children:

• Express emotions in healthy ways
• Maintain a connection with their loved one
• Build understanding about ALS
• Develop coping skills for uncertainty and change

The Tarqueno family’s glitter craft is a strong example of this kind of creative connection in action.

Kids Need Support Too

ALS United Illinois is committed to supporting the entire family. Our youth resources page offers tools designed to help children and teens better understand ALS and navigate the changes they may experience when someone they love is facing this disease.

Families can explore:

• Age-appropriate downloadable worksheets
• Counseling and grief support resources
• Recommended books for young readers
• Toolkits for parents and educators
• Mindfulness and emotional support tools

These resources are designed to meet children where they are and help families have conversations in ways that feel supportive and manageable.

Explore youth resources:
https://alsunitedillinois.org/navigating-als/resources-for-youth/

Share Your Family’s Story

Stories like the Tarqueno family’s remind us that small acts of love can have a lasting impact. Through our Sunny Side Features series, we are always looking to highlight families who are finding meaningful ways to stay connected while navigating ALS.

If your family has a story to share or you have used our youth resources, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to Brianna Neal, MSW, LSW, at brianna@alsunitedillinois.org to learn more.