August Newsletter: Remembering Carson
The CarsonStrong Foundation
Committed to improving the lives of children and families impacted by cancer and other significant life challenges.
Remembering Carson Gene Higgins: January 2, 2004 - August 11, 2016
Carson passed away 7 years ago at age 12 after a long battle with neuroblastoma, cancer of the nervous system.
Carson faced adversity with peace and grace. In his short life, he inspired so many to be kind and generous, regardless of the circumstances. He was always “paying it forwardâ€, and it is in this spirit that our Foundation was formed.
To honor Carson, we are asking each of you to do at least one random act of kindness for another. Whether it’s on August 11 or any other day this month, let’s spread kindness like Carson!
We invite you to share your stories of spreading kindness with us on Facebook and Instagram to help inspire others.
Attention sponsors and golfers: 7th Annual Memorial Golf Outing registration is now open!
Don’t forget to sign up for our 7th Annual Memorial Golf Outing, which will be held Monday, September 25. This year we are bringing back the Firestone Country Club golf caddies and providing you with a PGA Tour experience on the prestigious Glenmoor Country Club course!
All-inclusive foursomes are $1,000 each and you have the option of an 8 a.m. (complimentary breakfast sandwich and lunch) or 1:45 p.m. (includes lunch and evening appetizers) shotgun starts. Your ticket includes unlimited beer, hard seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages; swag items; opportunities to win great prizes ?–? including two hole-in-one contests (each prize is $2500); one mulligan per person; and double last year’s shopping spree allowance in what is said to be the best golf pro shop in Ohio!
Sponsorships start at $250, with packages for every business and budget! If you don’t see a package that fits your needs, reach out to [email protected] to customize your own sponsorship. Sponsorship commitments of $2,500 and above receive at least one complimentary foursome and tickets to our sponsorship dinner on September 24.?
Gift of Time Together Spotlight: Sabella Family
The Sabella Family recently enjoyed a quiet weekend at Mt. Pleasant Lodge to reconnect and reminisce after the passing of 9-year-old Nora.
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Nora was a warrior princess who battled hard against high-risk neuroblastoma and passed away earlier this year. When speaking with Nora’s mom, Amy, she stated the loss was devastating and she did not know what to do after spending so many years caring for Nora. She also mentioned that because of Nora’s time in treatment, they spent very little time as a family and needed time to reconnect and grieve as a family.
Through our Gift of Time Together program, Amy, Jeff, and their 11-year-old daughter Nina spent a few days in a secluded cabin and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and fire pit chats. They even invited a few family members out to spend time with them. Although this time could not bring Nora back or fill the hole in their hearts, it gave them the gift of time together during this difficult chapter.
Board Member Spotlight: Rachel Higgins
We are proud to announce Board Member Rachel Higgins has formally stepped into the role of Program Director for The Gift of Time Together.
Rachel has been involved with the Foundation since its inception in 2017 and has managed our events and volunteers successfully ever since. Her philanthropic efforts started in college where she became involved with the Make-A-Wish foundation as a wish granter. Rachel has also spent the last 10 years working in the recruitment and development field and brings that experience to her new role with the Foundation.
Rachel and her husband Brendon welcomed their first child, Christopher Carson, in November of 2021. After working full-time for a year and a half after, she decided she wanted to step away from the corporate world and spend more time with him and the foundation.
“If there’s anything I have learned from Carson’s story, it’s that family is the most important thing. Stepping into this new role with CHMF allows me to be more present in my son’s life and follow my true passion of helping children and families affected by cancer and other life-threatening diagnoses,†Rachel said.
Rachel was an integral part of starting The Gift of Time Together program and devoted many volunteer hours to ensure our first few families were set up to have a wonderful time. We know she will continue to do great things for the Foundation and make a lasting impact on families in our community.
Founded in 2017, the Carson Higgins Memorial Foundation enhances the quality of life for children facing cancer and other life challenges by funding programs that provide therapeutic, medical and educational opportunities.
Carson Gene Higgins courageously faced neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer that affects the body’s nervous system. While Carson’s life was short, it was rich with faith, hope, love, and strength. His examples of kindness and generosity encourage us to live and love richly, to take each day as a gift, and to give generously. Together, we can bring hope to other families facing difficult and sometimes devastating life challenges. Learn more about Carson’s story and CHMF’s commitment at www.carsonstrong.org.
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