Today I want to thank so many members of the IP Community that assisted in raising money and visibility for Brianna Sharp. Sadly, I must inform you that she died at 6:12 Saturday morning. When we began this journey last August, we knew the odds would be long in curing her of a cancer that takes 90% of its young victims within twelve months. Studying the various forms of treatments left little hope, as there just isn't enough money to conduct the proper level of research, and these children succumb too quickly for long-term studies. However, when I asked you to help, it was offered without hesitation. That was perhaps the most amazing thing for me. No one refused to help and I made sure that the offer was given without any demands and there would be anonymity. She is gone now but the caring that you exhibited remains. I want to thank TMCnet, Telecom Reseller, Channel Vision, Phone+, Skyline Event Services - Cleveland, the Olympic Team members, Dara Torres, Broadvox and many others for their contributions and time. None of us knew Brianna Sharp, but all of us are better because of her.
Brianna faced her life with continued optimism and strength that was beyond her 12 years of age. She wanted to live but accepted her fate in the last few months by wanting her family and friends to be happy. I watched this video documenting her battle and for the first time appreciated how she faced this adversity. http://www.wciu.com/video.php?assetID=10000071. I am including it for you as it may be the first time most of you will have seen her and heard her young and determined voice.
Brianna will be buried on Wednesday, July 29th. She will be missed and then her life will be celebrated.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00am at St. Raphael Church, 1215 Modaff Road, Naperville, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brianna's name can be made the following organizations:
St. Jude Children's Hospital https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/express-donation.do?fnl=don_sin&plt=STJGENLKALSAC1000002 or Chicago Children's Memorial Hospital https://secure.childrensmemorial.org/friends/foundation/donations.asp.
Today's recipe comes from that great Catholic city that knows how to morn death and celebrate a life. Over the weekend, I made Chicken and Andouille Étouffée. My journey to New Orleans for food was natural for me, as I wanted to cook something that would bring me closer to such a special child.
Enjoy!
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