Gift to honor Matt Bergeron

Helene Rogers dedicated this 1000 orgami crane display to deceased member Matt Bergeron at the Rotary meeting at The Shattuck on May 25.  The Roger’s 14 year old daughter Elyse was inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who was 24 months old when she was exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Sasaki soon developed leukemia and, at age 12 after spending a significant amount of time in a hospital, began making origami cranes.  Her goal of making one thousand was inspired by the senbazuru legend. At her death in 1955 she had made 650.  Following her death, her classmates felt empathy and agreed to complete the rest for her.  The belief that happiness and eternal good luck makes the cranes a popular gift providing hope and happiness to children and families.  The Club requested that the display be sent with a plaque honoring Matt to Monadnock Community Hospital.