Shop at Faherty and Support Imagine

When Ryan Basta was a little boy, his uncle died, and everyone kept telling him they were sorry for his loss. He didn't understand. If his uncle was lost, he wondered, why wasn't anyone looking for him? Years later, that memory became a book.

Basta, now a senior at Westfield High School, published Finding Uncle Marko on his own. The children's book follows a boy searching for answers after his beloved uncle dies, and slowly learning that the people we love stay with us through memories, stories, and love. Basta volunteers as a teen facilitator at Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, and all proceeds from the book go to Imagine. Union County Life readers can celebrate the book's release in Westfield next week.

Imagine is a nonprofit that offers free peer grief support all year to children, teens, young adults, and families coping with the death of someone close. Executive Director Lindsay Schambach praised Basta for helping make it easier for families to talk about grief.

The release event is Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Faherty Westfield, 127 Central Avenue, Westfield. Guests can meet Ryan and learn about his book. During the event, Faherty will donate 20% of sales to Imagine. The first 20 guests who make a purchase or a donation to Imagine will receive a free copy of Finding Uncle Marko. The event is open to the community.

One boy's confusion became a gift for the next child trying to make sense of a loss. Find more Westfield events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Ryan Basta

FAQ:

Q: Does it cost anything to attend the Finding Uncle Marko event in Westfield?
A: The event at Faherty Westfield is open to the community at no cost. During the event, Faherty will donate 20% of sales to Imagine.

Q: Where is the Finding Uncle Marko book event?
A: The event is at Faherty Westfield, 127 Central Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090. Parking details were not listed.

Q: How can I get a free copy of Finding Uncle Marko?
A: The first 20 guests who make a purchase or a donation to Imagine at Faherty Westfield on October 8 will receive a free copy of the book.

Q: Who is the book for, and do I need to register?
A: Finding Uncle Marko is a children's book for kids and families coping with grief. The event is open to the community, and no registration is listed.

Q: Where can I find more community events in Westfield?
A: Union County Life covers Westfield events, arts, and community news, including local book events and fundraisers. Visit unioncountylife.com for more.