In Memory of Rachel

[harleyquinn]

Thanks Z for letting me post this!

Hi everyone,
As some of you may or may not know, my 7 year old cousin lost her battle with Cancer last September. Her family is now setting up a fund in her memory, and I wanted to get the word out there for those that might be interested in donating.
Please, don't feel obligated and don't feel bad if you don't want to or can't. Doing something like this is a completely personal decision.
Everyone here, however can "Do Something for Rachel" today, it's free, and personal, but it will help keep her memory alive. See the last paragraph below for information.

Thanks so much!!
Harley

Well, there is no doubt that Rachel touched many people during her short time on earth. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "It is not length of life, but depth of life." Boy, did she have depth! How did she change this world? Well, because of her there have been... --many, many pints of blood donated; --lengths of hair donated to Locks of Love; --thousands of dollars donated to "The Tomorrow Fund" to benefit local families of children with cancer; --craft supply drives to benefit Hasbro Children's Hospital by her elementary school, the local community, and a local business; --the regional high school student council craft drive to benefit three children's hospitals; --marathon runners raising money for hospitals with Rachel as their inspiration; --a firefighter from Mansfield, MA dedicating this year's St. Baldrick's Day fundraising at the fire station to Rachel(www.stbaldricks.org ); --other acts of kindness inspired by a newspaper column entitled, "Do Something for Rachel"; and so much more.... We have also begun the process to establish the "Rachel Branagan Educational Foundation". Rachel loved to learn and we want to honor her spirit by providing educational enrichment to other kids. Our first project will be the construction of an outdoor classroom at her elementary school, dedicated to her. We have brainstormed ideas with the teachers, and are working on lots of tasks. We're hoping to have the project completed this spring. After this project, money raised by the foundation will be used to fund enrichment programs for elementary schools, and, hopefully we will be able to have a scholarship program beginning with the class of 2013 (Rachel's graduating class). Again, thank you all for your support. If anyone would like to receive updates on the "Rachel Branagan Educational Foundation" (RBEF), or on the construction of the outdoor classroom, please send your name, address, and e-mail address to rbbranagan@comcast.net . Keep in mind that we will be obligated to solicit donations from you once we get you on the RBEF mailing list!!!!! We honestly need to receive your email address if you are interested in more updates. We'll be sending them from here instead of through Paul, but don't want to bore anyone if they're not interested, so are starting a fresh list. Finally, "Do Something for Rachel" today - whether it be giving your kids a hug, writing a note to a friend, or making brownies for the firemen. Do something to make the world a little brighter in Rachel's memory. Love, Betsy, Bob and Alex

[Gangrell]

I'm sorry to have heard that happen harleyquinn, I had read about it back in the Oasis at the time. It's good to know that ways have been found to preserve her memory to help her live on. You all have my best wishes, and if I'm able, I will try and contribute to the Foundation [img]smile.gif[/img]


In loving Memory...

[Jorath Calar]

I hadn't heard about it and you and her whole family have my deepest sympathies.

[wellard]

Hugs for Harley

I will do something special with my children tomorrow and think of her.

My thoughts are with you and your family Harleyquinn

[johnny]

All the best wishes to you and yours Harley.

[Stratos]

I haven't heard about it either, so my condolences goes out to you all.

[Dragonshadow]

I'm sorry to hear about that. Best wishes to you and your family.

[Sir Kenyth]

My deepest condolances. It pains me greatly when children so young are stricken.

[Cloudbringer]

Harley, that's a wonderful memorial for a very special girl.

I'll do something special for those I love and think of Rachel.

[LordKathen]

You have our thoughts here Harleyquinn.