CaringBridge

To friends and family:

I know how we were all so appreciative of the communication provided by the CaringBridge website so I thought I would pass this along. There is a mother in Vernon Hills who has been diagnosed with a muscle sarcoma, her family is also using CaringBridge to communicate her progress. Rachel Lieberman is a 7th grader that lives next door to me and she has done the following to help her friend's mother. I have copied the CaringBridge journal entry and put it on Blake's website so that if anyone is interested in buying 1 or more of the bracelets you can do so. The funds raised will go to CaringBridge per request of Julie, the mom who is fighting sarcoma. If you would like me to get a bracelet(s) for you I can do so. They are $5 each. I would like to help support Rachel in her effort to raise funds. I plan on purchasing these bracelets for each child attending Riann's birthday party this year and giving them a note to let them know that the money used to purchase the bracelets is going to help people who are battling cancer. (The bracelets are also inscribed with the word "battle")

Thanks, Laurie

Taken from the CaringBridge website:

I would like all of you to know that the daughter of a friend of Julie and Gregg's has started a fundraiser for CaringBridge (the site we are using to keep you updated). CaringBridge is a not for profit organization which is so helpful to so many people. I am sure many of you have used it before to monitor a friend or loved one. Her name is Rachel Lieberman and she is selling bracelets with the name CaringBridge on them. She would like to ask for a donation of $5 but will accept whatever you would like to give. Please contact Rachel at lieby89@hotmail.com . Thank you for your support!

Memorial Fund over $10,000 !

We have just received word that the Blake Cadkin Memorial Fund created to support the Resource Center at the Six Mile Cypress Slough has exceeded $10,000. The Cadkin Foundation established the fund, and many friends and family members sent gifts in Blake's memory. Since then, Steve & Laurie Cadkin have made a very generous donation, and contributions are coming in steadily from volunteers and supporters of the Slough. This places Blake's fund in the major donor category, and it will be recognized as such on the Donor Wall of the visitors' building which will be called the Interpretive Center. This building is currently under construction, and the Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday, April 12.

Remember the ( - ) dash

Please click here and think of Blake:

http://www.dashpoemmovie.com


Alan

Celebrate Life 2008!

Though there is much to be sad about, I propose that we all dedicate 2008 to celebrating life in Blake's honor. It is very difficult to move on from 2007 as that is the year I truly got to know my brother Blake in a way I could have never known. He was a gift to us all. To acknowledge the passing of 2007 is to acknowledge a future without my brother. That pains me to no end. I miss him enourmously.

To celebrate a new year is quite conflicting to me, but I know Blake would want me and all of us to enjoy life to its fullest and make the most of every moment. That is exactly what I am going to do. I hope that you can all find the strength and courage to do the same. Just remember the courage and strength Blake demonstrated so gracefully when faced with the ultimate adversity life can throw you. And then remember he did it with a smile.

Love Blake's little bro (Steve)