It isn't right that people have to face hardships like this in the world. Charlotte was just a baby and her life was taken from her much too soon, but she was also a fighter. Only five years old and already living two and a half years with brain cancer seems unbearable to the common person. The Kelly's were not common people though. They faced it with determination and an unshakable faith. I took part in the road race for Charlotte in April and let me tell you about the kindness of this family. Not one cent of the proceeds raised from the race went to Charlotte. Every dollar went to fund research for neuroblastoma research because of the lack of funding to pediatric cancer. If there was one thing I took from my experience at a Jesuit school it's that being a man for others is truly the best thing to be in life. The Kelly's were a family for others in the truest sense of the phrase. They raised money for research to help everyone that as also effected by neuroblastoma, and all they asked for in return was our prayers. I was introduced to Charlotte's story by my mother who was a friend of Patrice. All it took was one look at the smiling face of that little girl and I was hooked. I, along with my mother, wanted nothing more than to see a care page update with words of joy and relief, but those were far and few in between. It was heartbreaking to see Charlotte's life slip away with each new care page update. On more than one occasion I have been brought to tears by the words of her mother Patrice. Charlotte Rose Kelly passed away on December 7th and she was the strongest person I have ever known.
I knew something had to be said about Charlottes story as soon as I heard the news. Beverley Beckham's article was the perfect way to show my classmates as well as the world. Beckham's article however can not begin to tell of all the strength, anger, heartbreak, joy, and tears that were brought about by this beautiful little girl, so I linked a few more sites that might help bring light to this tragic story.
Beckham's Article
Charlotte's Obituary
A picture of Charlotte along with a beautiful blog
Was the wake in braintree? I drove by it today I'm pretty sure and I knew it was for a 5 year old girl who had cancer. It's so sad, and so unfair. Tim, you just broke my heart..
ReplyDeleteYeah and the funeral was on tuesday that was why I left class that day.
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