It is with great sadness that we share our dear friend Shaina Grimm (previously Shaina Herts) passed away in her home surrounded by her family. She lost her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Shaina is a loving wife to Zach Grimm, and the most incredible mother to sweet baby Robbie. She is an amazing friend, and a beautiful daughter. She was a long-time barista at Peet’s Coffee, where she developed many friendships with coworkers and customers over the years (including her husband, Zach). Her compassionate heart and loving nature make children naturally feel comfortable and safe in her presence. She was a dedicated preschool teacher at Gan B'nai Shalom Preschool in Walnut Creek, and it was her dream to become a mom.

Shortly after Robbie’s birth in the Fall of 2019, Shaina was diagnosed with a blood cancer called MDS-EB1 in December 2019. She endured blood transfusions, chemotherapy and many hospitalizations. Despite her courageous battle by April the disease had progressed to MDS- EB2 and by May she was diagnosed and treated for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. On May 5th she entered Stanford Hospital for a bone marrow transplant. Despite our hopes and prayers that this would be the beginning of her journey to recovery, it wasn’t to be. On June 12, only a week after her discharge, she was readmitted. On June 19, 2020, Zach and Shaina received the devastating news that the transplant had failed and that she would not survive. The pain for all involved has been unimaginable.

Shaina, Zach and Robbie have spent time focused on each other and creating memories with Robbie. We want to help Shaina’s beloved Zach and Robbie any way we can. Therefore, a memorial fund in Shaina’s memory has been established to help Zach and Robbie with anything they may need. One of Zach’s wishes is to establish a memorial bench for Shaina. Zach recently lost his father in April 2019. A memorial bench was purchased in his name at Lake Merritt. Zach would like to purchase the bench next to his father’s as a tribute to Shaina, and a place to take Robbie. Zach has been an incredible daddy to Robbie. He not only took care of Shaina, but was Robbie’s primary caretaker as well for the past 9 months. We want to ensure Zach and Robbie feel our love and support, and provide resources to assist them during this time of loss and grieving. Our hope is that these contributions will make the unfathomable days ahead a little easier.