Our friend, Blake, was first diagnosed with a brain tumor called an anaplastic ependymoma in 2001 at the age of 13. 

  Blake had surgery and radiation only to relapse in September, 2004.  Blake had further radiation and chemo, but no treatment was available to kill his tumors.  Blake passed away at only 16 years of age on October 5, 2005.

  Blake should be starting his junior year of college next month with Matt.  He should be celebrating a rite of passage, his 21st birthday, in November.

  Blake never made it to college, but he lived and died being a hero to us and left an indelible mark on our hearts and in our minds.  He was an amazing young man!

  After his diagnosis, Blake and his family became very involved with the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, Inc. (BTFC) in Atlanta.

  The incredible staff at the BTFC provides friendship, hope, emotional and financial support to families going through the nightmare of a brain tumor diagnosis.  Their support was invaluable to the Porters.

  Matt and I witnessed firsthand with Blake, and have seen many times since, the magic that this amazing group of people does for these families.  They need our help to continue their critical services and programs.

  We have made an annual commitment to the BTFC and to the Porters, raising over $20,000 so far.  Please help us continue to honor Blake's memory and to help the BTFC continue to help others.

  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.

  You can help by:

  1.)  Donating in memory of Blake using this sponsorship page.  See above "SPONSOR US NOW".

  2.)  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 August 28th.

  (** 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.)  Marking your calendars for Saturday, September 12th.  Join us for an inspiring and fun day!  **Please note the change to September to coincide with National Children's Cancer Awareness month.

  4.)  Forwarding 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.

  "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 www2.caringbridge.org/al/blakeporter

Thank you!

  Lisa and Matt Hollingsworth

OFFLINE DONATIONS:

* ROBERT PURCELL                   $25.00

* ANONYMOUS                               $2,500.00

* ANN CHAKALES                         $30.00