She’s turning sorrow into action.
A widow from Long Island City has channeled her grief into a meaningful cause by founding a new organization aimed at assisting families of first responders and military personnel who have lost loved ones.
Christine Floyd started the Resilient Hope Foundation after enduring the loss of her husband, Derek, a former Marine and FDNY probationary member, in 2024.
The foundation kicked off its first event recently, where around 100 widows and their kids gathered at an indoor playground in Flushing, Queens.
“I wanted to connect with others and show that, even following a tragedy, life can still be beautiful,” Floyd, who lives in East Northport, expressed.
Derek passed away from a heart attack at just 36 years of age, a few months after being laid off due to city budget cuts affecting first responders.
His unexpected death left Floyd, along with their two children, struggling to maintain stability.
“We don’t say we move on, but we do—slowly,” she reflected.
She emphasized the importance of encouraging children: “Yes, life includes some heartbreaking events, but it’s crucial to keep moving ahead, and that’s completely okay.”
Floyd was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support from the NYPD, which even closed off a street for the event to accommodate all the volunteers and families participating.
“It was amazing to see people traveling from as far as Staten Island, Brooklyn, and different parts of Long Island to attend. I’m so thankful for everyone who believes in this mission,” she shared.
Floyd, who works as an elementary school guidance counselor, noted that as a parent, it’s essential to take a holistic approach in raising her children and ensuring they are provided for.
About two months after Derek’s passing, Floyd felt a strong urge to act. “He would always remind me to take care of the kids,” she recalled, reflecting on their conversations regarding their young ones, Ethan and Abby.
When her seven-year-old son expressed a desire to connect with other kids who share similar experiences, she realized action was necessary.
Floyd is grateful for the financial support her family has received from various organizations but recognizes that some gaps can’t be filled with money alone.
“Initially, I sought a community of young widows with kids my children’s age but couldn’t find it,” she admitted.
She teamed up with Liz Toro, a former NYPD detective who now runs a babysitting service, to co-found the foundation.
“It really felt like divine intervention bringing us together,” she said, adding that the Uniformed Firefighters Association had been quick to offer assistance as well.
The Police Benevolent Association has also shown support for their efforts.
“Ethan left that event feeling so connected and less alone. It’s crucial for us to model resilience for our children,” she said.
Looking ahead, the Resilient Hope Foundation plans to focus on providing well-vetted childcare options, which Floyd describes as a significant need within their community.
“I know many widows who left their jobs to raise their kids, and I’ve had my struggles with childcare,” she remarked.
“Our aim is to establish a network of thoroughly vetted, certified babysitters for these families.”
Christine also hopes to expand her mission nationwide, feeling that Derek would be proud of her initiatives. “He’d probably be astonished I started a foundation, yet, in a way, he wouldn’t be surprised at all.”
