4/13/15
Happy Birthday Caroline!
Today that would have likely been the subject line of an email I would be sending to my niece and God Daughter Caroline Richards. Today would be a milestone as she would have turned 13 on the 13th of April.
Unfortunately and perhaps as many of you know Caroline did not survive until April 13, 2015. She passed away January 9, 2015 a mere 369 days after being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma.
So instead I am emailing you asking that you get involved in the fight against childhood cancer and specifically Osteosarcoma.
First a little background. On January 4, 2014 we learned that our then 11 year old niece Caroline Richards was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma a somewhat rare form of bone cancer that typically impacts young children. We of course put on our brave faces, did our research, encouraged Caroline and her parents with everything we had, you name it we were in this together and we were there to help.
Caroline was not only a wonderful young warrior who fought through the chemotherapy treatments, the surgeries, the late night emergency room visits when her cell counts were low, she became an ambassador for this community of young children who are currently dealing with cancer and for future children that will be diagnosed with Osteosarcoma or other childhood related cancers.
Throughout her battle, Caroline loved all things that helped to accessorize her daily zest to look her best. Big bows, neon Tyler tee shirts, bling you name it. So when Caroline decided we needed wrist bands to help accessorize things and get people to show their support, Caroline asked to have the hot pink bands engraved with Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It wasn’t until shortly after her passing we finally made the connection between the numbers in the verse and her birthday and how true those words ring each and everyday.
Caroline became somewhat of a legend among all of her doctors, physical therapists, counselors, families and children at MD Anderson, her classmates, the Austin community, the guys from One Direction, and even Ryan Hunter-Reay who 5 days after meeting her, went on to win the Indy 500. Her smile, attitude and determination to be a survivor were an inspiration to everyone who got to know her. (Don’t believe me just Google #RIPCaroline, Caroline Richards, #prayforcaroline, literally millions of hits and fans on various social media outlets)
I mention this background because we cannot let all of the positive things that Caroline did throughout her life and her battle be forgotten. When we were in Austin the weekend of Caroline’s services the entire family made a commitment to continue this fight on Caroline’s behalf and the other children that are so cruelly impacted by cancer.
And now it’s my turn to help. So here is the ask.
From diagnosis through Caroline’s passing, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation was an incredible resource and support system for Caroline, her parents, the extended family and all that dearly loved this child. We know St. Baldrick’s through our good friend Chuck Chamness who now serves as the Chairman and his family who successfully dealt with this disease more than 10 years ago when their son Joey was diagnosed.
So here is where you can help. Each year in honor of these young warriors St. Baldricks tries to raise awareness and money for research through their Brave to Shave event. Unfortunately I could not make the March 13th date and thought today what would have been Carloine’s 13th birthday would be the date I kick off my fundraising efforts and announce I too will joining the Brave to Shave effort to help ensure no other families would have to suffer the loss of a treasure like Sweet Caroline.
If we are going to be successful, we need to step up and raise money that will specifically go after research for cancers effecting children. In Caroline’s treatment and many Osteosarcoma patients the doctors are using chemo protocols that were created in the 1960’s.
This has to change and I am going to do my part and I hope you will help me. My goal is not just to go bald but to go bold. Osteosarcoma is a big deal as are all cancers that impact our children and thus our future. I sincerely hope you will consider donating to this effort.
In the coming days I will send a note once I have settled on a date to shave. In the interim feel free to click on the link to my donations page in honor of Caroline Richards, others who have lost their battles and those who some day will face this cruel disease. Whether you decide to donate $25, $100, $250 or even greater, your donation will someday help to find a cure for Osteosarcoma and other childhood cancers. (Don’t forget to see if your company will match your charitable contribution.) Go Bold!
Your compassion and support to date have been a tremendous help to all of us. I know we can count on you as we begin this new leg of the journey. Thank you. Thank you. And Thank you again. Dave