Caroline inspired many people during her life, and she continues to do so...
That though the radiance which was once so bright be now forever taken from my sight.
Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, glory in the flower.
We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind. ~William Wordsworth
Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, glory in the flower.
We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind. ~William Wordsworth
Grief is just love with no place to go. ~Jamie Anderson
Kindness4Kate Buddy Bench
Our first K.A.T.E. bench has been delivered!!! It has gone to Fayetteville Academy in Fayetteville, N.C., and this bench has a very special story behind it. About 6 months into my journey, a kind friend gifted me with a beautiful coaster - {much reminiscent of the tiles I used to paint with quotes on them.} On the back was the story behind these “Care Coasters." Laura Reeves had lost her twin sister, Caroline, to cancer, and as a way to heal her pain, she began painting these coasters and selling them - the money going to cancer and other meaningful places, etc. I was so intrigued by what she was doing that I decided to reach out to her, and right away we became friends. She was so open and vulnerable and wise in expressing her journey toward hope and healing - and became a huge impetus in encouraging me to create my own non profit. She is an art teacher at Fayetteville Academy and has actually just started her own after-school kindness club - with no knowledge of my project!!! She has been doing a project each week with these young children and teaching them the importance of kindness - she has also been sharing with me all of her wonderful ideas which I, in turn, have been sharing with schools in hopes that they, too, will begin simple acts of promoting kindness. So I am sooooo excited that this 1st bench has been placed in a school where kindness is such a priority.
I want to thank each and every one of you who have either donated to this cause, or have been huge encouragers. What a blessing! And how meaningful it has been to see this spread of kindness!!! So again, a huge THANK YOU to each of you for making all of this possible! -Elizabeth Childrey, Kindness4Kate.org
Our first K.A.T.E. bench has been delivered!!! It has gone to Fayetteville Academy in Fayetteville, N.C., and this bench has a very special story behind it. About 6 months into my journey, a kind friend gifted me with a beautiful coaster - {much reminiscent of the tiles I used to paint with quotes on them.} On the back was the story behind these “Care Coasters." Laura Reeves had lost her twin sister, Caroline, to cancer, and as a way to heal her pain, she began painting these coasters and selling them - the money going to cancer and other meaningful places, etc. I was so intrigued by what she was doing that I decided to reach out to her, and right away we became friends. She was so open and vulnerable and wise in expressing her journey toward hope and healing - and became a huge impetus in encouraging me to create my own non profit. She is an art teacher at Fayetteville Academy and has actually just started her own after-school kindness club - with no knowledge of my project!!! She has been doing a project each week with these young children and teaching them the importance of kindness - she has also been sharing with me all of her wonderful ideas which I, in turn, have been sharing with schools in hopes that they, too, will begin simple acts of promoting kindness. So I am sooooo excited that this 1st bench has been placed in a school where kindness is such a priority.
I want to thank each and every one of you who have either donated to this cause, or have been huge encouragers. What a blessing! And how meaningful it has been to see this spread of kindness!!! So again, a huge THANK YOU to each of you for making all of this possible! -Elizabeth Childrey, Kindness4Kate.org
Donna Decker McCollum
...is only the sixth American woman to reach the summit of all seven of the highest mountains in the world...Since returning to high altitude mountain climbing in recent years I have devoted each step to those that fuel my passion. One very special lady and friend was Caroline Harsant Whitley. With each mountain I summited I honored her because of her amazing attitude and perseverance as she battled cancer diagnosed at the young age of 25. With astounding bravery and courage she fought the good fight until her death at the age of 29 on September 26, 2011. I am now on my journey to summit the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. Sadly enough I will have to do this in memory of my dear friend now. With each step and with every moment that I wrestle with the thought of quitting and turning around because it is too difficult I will think of my beautiful friend Caroline and how she had to endure Everest every day since being diagnosed. She, along with all those who have fought or continue to fight the cancer battle, I will stand symbolically on top of the world on your behalf, hold my hands up to you and thank you for making me be the best person I can be. -Donna Decker McCollum
...is only the sixth American woman to reach the summit of all seven of the highest mountains in the world...Since returning to high altitude mountain climbing in recent years I have devoted each step to those that fuel my passion. One very special lady and friend was Caroline Harsant Whitley. With each mountain I summited I honored her because of her amazing attitude and perseverance as she battled cancer diagnosed at the young age of 25. With astounding bravery and courage she fought the good fight until her death at the age of 29 on September 26, 2011. I am now on my journey to summit the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. Sadly enough I will have to do this in memory of my dear friend now. With each step and with every moment that I wrestle with the thought of quitting and turning around because it is too difficult I will think of my beautiful friend Caroline and how she had to endure Everest every day since being diagnosed. She, along with all those who have fought or continue to fight the cancer battle, I will stand symbolically on top of the world on your behalf, hold my hands up to you and thank you for making me be the best person I can be. -Donna Decker McCollum
I will not forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.
~Isaiah 49:16
~Isaiah 49:16