Whitley's Wishes

 My daughter Whitley was a beautiful, smart and talented young lady. She was an honor roll student and excelled in dance, piano and softball. She had such a love for life and gave her all in all she did. 

In January of 2014, at the age of 11, just 4 days before her 12th birthday, Whitley was diagnosed with a brain tumor called DIPG and life as we knew it ended.  She fought bravely for 14 months but on March 30, 2015, she was freed from this horrible disease.

It is difficult to express in words the amazing human being that my daughter was. She cared so much for others and believed that it was her job to look out for those less fortunate than her. Her nurturing and generous nature was apparent even in the end when it became difficult for her to care for herself. She was such a bright light and knowing her made others want to be better. 

I am blessed beyond measure that Whitley chose me to be her mom and I am eternally grateful for the 13 years that I got to spend with her. It was the pleasure of my life and I cherished every moment.  It is my hope that I can honor her memory by supporting the things that she was passionate about and I will continue to fight this horrific disease so that maybe someday other children and their families won't have to endure to horror of DIPG.

​