Saturday, July 28 would have been Casey's thirteenth birthday. I would like to ask everyone to honor the memory of her short life by remembering her family this Saturday.
For those not familiar with Casey's story, I have taken some information from the website Casey's Cause and reprinted it here:
Our History |
| Casey’s Cause was incorporated in March 2007 by a group of family and friends of Casey Marie Grant, a seven-year old girl who was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a rare blood platelet disorder. Nine days after being diagnosed, Casey passed away on January 25, 2007 from a massive hemorrhage. |
| Our Mission |
| The loss of Casey has driven us to help others learn more about this disorder. Casey’s Cause has four main mission areas. |
 Honor Casey’s life by sharing her story |
| Raise awareness about ITP |
| Educate both the general public and medical professionals about ITP |
| Assist with ITP research efforts |
| Our mission is to create awareness of Idiopathic/Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (“ITP”) through the education of both the general public and medical professionals, and in the raising of funds for medical research. Our annual Casey’s Cause Run will be used as a means not only of promoting awareness of ITP, but also as a fundraising event. We, the board of Casey’s Cause, believe that creating our own organization, (rather than by simply donating our own personal funds to an organization for ITP), will provide opportunities for us to make a greater difference in the lives of those affected by ITP. We are fortunate to have on our board two nurses and two pharmacists who hope to become more involved in educational programs to spread awareness to the medical communities and to those who might come in contact with those affected by ITP. We currently support the research efforts of the Platelet Disorder Support Association who work with doctors and patients assessing lifestyle changes as a result of symptoms and treatments of ITP. We also support the ITP Foundation whose research efforts are based worldwide and start at the cellular level. In addition, we have teamed up with the Charley Foundation to support a weekend camp for children affected by ITP and their families. Other funds are utilized to assist families, local or elsewhere, with the needs of their chronically ill children. Casey’s Cause will continue to meet frequently in order to identify these areas. |
More from the website, Casey's Cause
Casey was a Pure Gift, a loving and caring spirit, sent but for a wisp of time by an All- Wise Creator as an immeasurable blessing on the lives of those who were privileged to know her. So smart and inquisitive—a second grader who read at the third-grade level, an avid worker of Sudoku puzzles –Casey was truly gifted in many, many ways. Her creative imagination showed through her artwork and written stories.
Mischievous like her father, Casey was adventurous and willing to try most anything. She was a petite, athletic dynamo (albeit, a little lady) who could outrun most of her friends in a footrace. The twinkling in her brown eyes, the wiggle of her turned-up nose (just like Mom’s), her freckles, her always present beautiful smile, her infectious laughter –these paint a portrait of an irresistible imp who scattered joy and happiness around her like a rainbow.
With a maturity far beyond her seven and one-half years, Casey possessed a genuine concern for others, a selflessness seldom seen in a child. Her love for her parents and little brother, her family, her church, her friends and teachers was exemplified in all she did and was. Casey Marie Grant, an effervescent being of exuberant joy: Her legacy is one of exceptional love, happiness and grace – an inspiration to all.
Caseys mother sent me an email:
I will never be able to forget that this "rare" disorder took my daughter's life. We didn't even have the opportunity to see if she would be acute or chronic. As a nurse, the medical side of things invades my thoughts constantly; always wondering what happened.
This Saurday, July 28, would have been Casey's 13th birthday. Because of ITP, we will never know the young lady she would be today.
So our family battles with ITP every day, even though not in the way everyone else deals with it. We will never be "cured" either.
Your support of Casey's Cause is appreciated greatly, and I hope that more people will see the work we are doing to spread awareness and make a difference in the lives of those who are dealing with this disorder.
Please keep our family in your thoughts on Saturday.
Sincerely,
Christine Grant, mom to Casey Marie Grant 7-28-99 to 1-25-07
Let's all remember Casey's birthday on Saturday and also give a big thank you to her mom for keeping her memory alive in such a special way.
We are all so fragile.....ITP can be heart breaking...
ReplyDeleteYes, ITP can be heartbreaking but we can learn a lesson from Casey's family. There is so much that needs to be done in the way of ITP reseach so that the heartbreak will not happen as often.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. My son was diagnosed in January at age 10 with a platelet count of 2. We are very thankful that he is doing well, but our hearts break for you and your family. Casey's cause is a wonderful way to honor her memory and we will spread the word to our family and friends. While I do not know your pain, please know that we will continue to keep you all in our prayers.
ReplyDelete