I feel like I wrote my previous post maybe 2 weeks ago and had learned about a young girl named Summer Dale. Summer went to Heaven last night, Sunday November 11, 2012.
My co-worker came into work this morning and shared the news of Summer's passing. Here is a little blip from Summer's Facebook page:
"We are so sorry to report that we lost our sweet Summer tonight. She was sixteen years old. She died peacefully in her bedroom, surrounded by her entire family. We are heartbroken.
She was courageous to the end. She recently told a close family friend, “Promise me you will let everyone know, especially my friends, that I’m not scared of this. I am not afraid.”
Throughout her year of battling cancer, and even as recently as three weeks ago, Summer said that cancer was a blessing to her because it had brought so many wonderful people and experiences into her world. Indeed, it transformed her by teaching her the power of helping others and loving unconditionally.
In less than a year, the non-profit organization that Summer founded, Team Summer, raised more than $50,000 to help other kids with cancer like herself. She selected personal gifts for kids she met in hospital clinics and waiting rooms with the mission to “help the kid in the bed.” For example, she gave gas cards to a young boy to spare him a seven-hour bus ride after chemo, a fashion photo shoot to a girl who was in despair over the loss of her hair, and a computer to another boy to keep his active mind occupied during his long treatments.
In Summer’s memory, we will continue with her mission and vision of Team Summer. In lieu of flowers and gifts, we ask that you consider donating to Team Summer at www.teamsummer.org/donate.
This will be Summer’s legacy.
With grateful hearts,
Lynne, Al, Cynthia, Charles and Jordan"
She was courageous to the end. She recently told a close family friend, “Promise me you will let everyone know, especially my friends, that I’m not scared of this. I am not afraid.”
Throughout her year of battling cancer, and even as recently as three weeks ago, Summer said that cancer was a blessing to her because it had brought so many wonderful people and experiences into her world. Indeed, it transformed her by teaching her the power of helping others and loving unconditionally.
In less than a year, the non-profit organization that Summer founded, Team Summer, raised more than $50,000 to help other kids with cancer like herself. She selected personal gifts for kids she met in hospital clinics and waiting rooms with the mission to “help the kid in the bed.” For example, she gave gas cards to a young boy to spare him a seven-hour bus ride after chemo, a fashion photo shoot to a girl who was in despair over the loss of her hair, and a computer to another boy to keep his active mind occupied during his long treatments.
In Summer’s memory, we will continue with her mission and vision of Team Summer. In lieu of flowers and gifts, we ask that you consider donating to Team Summer at www.teamsummer.org/donate.
This will be Summer’s legacy.
With grateful hearts,
Lynne, Al, Cynthia, Charles and Jordan"
I wish I had gotten a chance to meet Summer and just talk to her... It gave me absolute chills what Summer said above (2nd paragraph) about "not being scared". What a brave girl. What a strong girl who fought so hard. Hearing Summer's story makes me put aside the petty things in life for a little bit - those expensive boots, does he like me? what should I do next weekend, etc. Life is insanely precious. I want to love so much and live this life of mine so boldly, because you just don't know sometimes. I'm sure Summer didn't think she'd ever be diagnosed with this cancer. Life sometimes takes us on a different journey than what we plan or hope for. But we take the good and the bad, we adjust and we make the best of things. My prayers are with my co-worker, her family and Summer. I know she's not in any pain right now. I'm thankful for knowing about Summer and knowing her story. She has definitely touched my life.
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