Our friend, Blake Porter, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2001.  Blake had just turned 13 a month before his diagnosis.

  Blake fought his cancer bravely with amazing dignity.  In his few short years he touched and inspired countless others with his attitude and strength before he passed away October 5, 2005 at only 16 years of age.

  Blake should have graduated this May with my son, Matt.  On graduation day, I envisioned Blake walking in with the other Grayson students in his green cap and gown.  While I know the Porters had moved to Huntsville, Blake was a Grayson boy at heart!                               

  I have thought many times, as I know Jacque and Ed have, about the way that day would been if it had not been for a monster called cancer that stole Blake's future and broke his parent's hearts.

  Blake and his family were, and continue to be, involved with the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, Inc. (BTFC) in Atlanta.  The staff at BTFC provided friendship, hope and emotional support to the Porters and continue to do so.  The BTFC does this for other families going through the same nightmare the Porters endured.

  Matt and I would again like to ask for your help in honoring Blake's memory. 

  Blake wanted to help find a cure for brain tumors.  All proceeds from the walk this year will be dedicated to pediatric brain tumor research.  

  Matt and I have again set our sights high and have set our goal at $7,500.00.  We must have your help to meet this goal.

  We have been #1 in pledges for the past two years, exceeding our goal both years, so it is certainly attainable again.  Last year we raised an astounding $7,450.00!  

  You can help by:

  1.)  Registering for the walk.  Put your tennis shoes on and join our team, " Blake's Buddies", for the walk.  Go to www.firstgiving.com/btfc to register.  Please indicate our team name on the registration form.  You can wait and register on race day, but it is an additional $5 after October 29th. 

  2.)  Donate in memory of Blake using this sponsorship page.  See above "SPONSOR ME NOW".

  (** Please note that registering to walk/run is totally separate from donating.  It is awesome if you can do both!  It all goes to the BTFC.**)

  3.)  Mark you calendars for Saturday, November 3rd!

  4.)  Please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too.

  All donations are tax deductible.  Donating through this site is fast, easy and secure.  It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to the BTFC.

  Blake's fight is over, but the battle continues.  Brain tumors don't discriminate.  They strike over 2,000 children each year.  It could be your child or grandchild next.

  We have made an annual commitment to the BTFC and to the Porters.  Please help us support the BTFC and find a cure.

 "You don't have to be a brain surgeon to help a child with a brain tumor."

  Please email us at h1988@bellsouth.net with any questions.

  ** To stay connected with the Porters, please go to Blake's Caringbridge site at www.caringbridge.org/al/blakeporter 

Thank you!

  Lisa and Matt Hollingsworth