WHO IS THE ARMY?

When Claire was diagnosed with cancer, our personal community acted. They acted with financial support and with meals. They brought baskets of goodies, sent cards, posted encouraging words on CaringBridge, and much more. They showed up without us asking and helped in ways we never knew we would need. 

One day early on in our battle, we were on our way from our room on the pediatric unit to the operating room for Claire’s tumor biopsy. It was our first big event in the treatment process and we were terrified. Many of our family and friends were by our sides as we made the long walk from one end of the hospital to the other. Our dear friend, Kevin Fox, looked back and then looked at Claire and said, “ Wow Claire you have a whole Army behind you.” From that day forward our friends, family and supporters were known as Claire’s Army.

Looking back, we understand that we were the exception to the rule. Most families don’t have Armies like the one we had.  

Over the years, Claire’s Army has evolved into an organized, responsive, and consistent movement of helpers who meet patient families where they need us most AND continue Claire’s legacy of unconditional love and light. 

The Army is you, it’s me, and it’s our community.