Braxton Herrada
October 21, 2010

A young man filled with so much life and love for others.  Braxton was always willing to help others, he would find the positive in any situation and truly lived a happy life…One that was cut way too short.  On September 22, 2009, just 9 days after his 15^th birthday, Braxton was diagnosed with a very advanced stage of Ewing Sarcoma, a bone cancer, which is very painful.  The next 13 months of his life were consumed with monthly trips to Wichita for chemotherapy  and radiation treatments and several lengthy stays at the hospital.  All the while, Braxton stayed positive and very strong!  He never felt sorry for himself, only for the young children he shared the pediatric floor at the hospital with.  Braxton brought joy to everyone he came in contact with.  His beautiful, bright smile, his calmness and caring demeanor and above all his shoot from the hip sense of humor kept all those who knew him laughing and just happy to be in his presence.

Through his battle, Braxton was able to complete his sophomore year of high school, more times than not, attending classes and being a class clown, even when he didn’t feel well.  He was an amazing big brother to his 3 younger brothers..Stanton (11), Trenton (5) and Ashton (3).  Braxton loved children and would have made a wonderful father.  His brothers meant everything to him.  He was so relieved it was him going through the battle than any of them. 

Braxton was known by many as a big teddy bear!  And he did give the most amazing bear hugs!  His passion was riding 4-wheelers and a natural he was.  He began riding at the very young age of 4 and even entered a race at the fairgrounds at age 5.  He was the smallest and of course the only one of his size, but they allowed him out of the gate and that boy rode with all his heart….never any fear!!!

Braxton fought so very hard, never complained and held on as long as he possibly could.  He earned his wings , in the comfort of his own home, on October 21, 2010.  This day will forever mark a pain in our hearts that will never come to ease.  We will never forget the love and kindness he shared with all who knew him.  He was not only my son, but my very best friend. 

Cancer Sucks!  My hope is to carry on Braxton’s name in honor of all the young children touched by this disease, for those who have lost the battle, those continuing to fight and those not yet diagnosed.  We want to help spread awareness and raise money to help families whose lives have been affected by adolescent cancer!  Let’s protect our children, give them a chance to experience life and grow old.  Braxton’s motto was “Live Life To Survive”!  He had the will-power, the optimism and the endurance to go on, but with lack of research, he ran out of effective medications to help save his life. 

Please join and walk/run for the children!  And to Braxton, from all of us who love you…..we miss you every day, until we meet again, we hold you in our hearts.

Thank You.

Who will you run for on October 6, 2012?

Pam Smith

January 29, 2010

A question once asked at a personal enrichment seminar:  "What would you like people to say at your 80th birthday party?  Think about this and then make that your legacy."

Whether you knew Pam for decades or but a brief time, her legacy to those she left behind is powerful and true.  Pam has been described by many as an "amazing woman" and indeed she was.  She wore her roles well and played them for all they were worth: wife, mother, grandmother, friend, cook, and entertainer.  As family and friends we tried never to take her gifts for granted; instead, we learned that it is How You Live that is important.

Pam's love of cooking, entertaining, and attention to details certainly made everyday life special for so many.  She tirelessly and humbly served her God, family, and friends with equal generosity, willingness, and love.  Pam had a way of making anyone and everyone feel welcome and was always arranging and planning get-togethers, be it wedding or baby showers, intimate dinners with friends and family, or an afternoon tea party with her grandchildren.  No holiday, birthday or anniversary ever went un-recognized.  If she knew it, she recorded it on her calendar.  Maybe you were even a recipient of the special red plate on your birthday.  In her last few weeks of battling pancreatic cancer, she could hear friends and family gathering in the other rooms; she put it best when she said: "I just want to be a part of it."

Someone once said: "Pam had a quiet grace about her.  You couldn't help but want to be like her."  We can't think of a more fitting tribute.  Pam proved that life is best when shared with others, when making them feel good about themselves, that giving one's time and talents with love and enthusiasm should be the rule, not the exception.  Finding the littlest things to celebrate and be happy about, we continue that part of Pam's legacy with our family and friends.  We see her legacy carried on in each person she touched, in their quiet remembrances and happy recollections, each time someone smiles while sharing a memory of her.  She is dearly loved and missed. For Pam, life certainly was a tea party, and she will always be a part of it.