Having effectively accomplished its original intention, and with a lot of mixed emotions, we have decided to close the doors of the Raising Spirits Pediatric Cancer Foundation as of April 1, 2007.

Any monies left over at that time will be evenly distributed to the pediatric hospitals we currently serve with the intention of those grants being used to support the emotional and financial needs of their pediatric cancer patients.

While we knew our commitment to be a source of hope in the form of emotional and financial support by creating and running the Raising Spirits Foundation throughout the length of time our son was in remission for bone cancer, would be a temporary way to give back, it is still difficult to say goodbye to RSF.  It has truly been an honor to gently carry the stories of the children and families we have served, in our hearts, until we could come upon a compassionate ear to share them with in hopes of relieving some of their distress.

It has been most humbling to serve these well deserving children and families and a privilege to support their needs.

As a result of this commitment, and with the enormous help of our compassionate and empathetic contributors and volunteers, the Raising Spirits Foundation has been able fulfill a dream first originated by Brandon during his own battle with bone cancer. Brandon, who was first diagnosed at 13 is now 18 and is currently attending college while working for his father’s engineering firm as a draftsman. He is a happy and healthy young man whose presence in our lives continues to be a source of great joy and a blessing that we are grateful for everyday.

We ask that our contributors continue to support children battling cancer by donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. www.St.Jude.org

Our family will continue to pray for the courage and strength children battling cancer and their families so desperately need; as well as the miracle of a cure so as to end this unbearable suffering.

We send out our deepest gratitude to all of those who supported the Raising Spirits Foundation and our deepest love and admiration to the children and families who continue the battle with courage and grace.