Hello! My brother died from cancer in 1983 when he was only 11 years old. He would have turned 40 in 2012. My dad has donated books and beanbags to our old elementary school library. He is also having a plaque made in rememberance of my brother and it will hang in the library. We are going to have some students come to the library and celebrate my brother's life. I am wondering how can we get them involved? What could we do at the library to help the student's celebrate and get to know my brother? We are also having family memebers join us for this special day. Do I need something special for them to be involved with as well? How can I make this special for my brother's memory? I really need some creative and thoughtful ideas. Thank you!
The only thing I could think of is somehow from this do a spinoff of a fundraiser for cancer. Maybe on his 40th birthday?? A walkathon that the kids could participate in??
I am wondering why you want children and the public to know your brother after all this time? Did he record a journal, or have some sort of legacy to teach them about hardships? Some special connection to the school aside from attending there? If so, perhaps sharing a small portion of that will be nice. Maybe a sports/academic trophy or a school photo or something that directly connected him to the community showing that he lived would be nice. A little slide show or table set up with some of his favorite books, school pictures, rock collection..
Since you are inviting the general public to hear your brother's story, it would be very nice to include some sort of memorial for those attending to also share in the loss of their loved ones as well. It makes me wonder, how many children/school alumni have died in your area since 1983, and why one should be honored in the library among the many? How many of those children coming to learn and celebrate your brother, have lost their own sibling or parent? Be respective of other's loss and give them a chance to share if compelled. The Precious Moments chapel has a large book kept there, where people can go to write a short memory of their loved ones who passed on. Something like that would be wonderful and can be a healing place and memorandum for all. Sharing your brother's story could give other's the strength they need too. Give them that reason to not just celebrate him, but to celebrate life in general, and to also perhaps spread awareness of cancer and to do some sort of fundraiser for a cancer society or to maybe help a child with cancer in the area that will be beneficial to the uplifting the whole community.
a video or a slideshow of photos and tell the story of how he lived... maybe a few of his favorite books?
I am sorry for your loss.
Jessica Joy Rees here in SoCal is a young girl, 12 I believe, fighting 2 tumors and she makes "Joy Jars" which she accepts donations for, to give to other children fighting cancer.
http://www.joyjars.org/jj/
Perhaps establishing a foundation in your brother's name that is ongoing and doing something of the same thing, helping other children facing what he faced? You mentioned your father has donated books, this could be something the foundation does. That would keep your brother's memory special, something to involve family and students.
Planting something is always a nice way to remember - trees, a garden, etc. I'm sorry for your loss.
Hi J.
I am sorry you lost your brother at such a young age. Kudo's to you for taking the extra steps to honor him.
Usually elementary children are very compassionate. If you have photos or a montage of photos that is enough to stir emotion and have them understand there is a reason behind your efforts.
I also agree with Momma L that it would be nice to honor others that have lost their battle to cancer.
Good luck and GOD BLESS!
D.
if you can't think of anything you might contact CHOC's child life department and ask for ideas.
My sister-in-law passed away 5 years ago and every year on her birthday we release balloons into the air. Our children really enjoy doing this, it's like they are sending them up to heaven for her.
maybe you can have the kids make cards for children fighting cancer. Do a fundraiser walk and donate the preceeds to the American Cancer Society in your brothers name. Educate the attendents about healthy living and how exercise and eating right can help avoid contracting cancer. If you contact the ACS (american cancer society) they will help you to plan other activites and material to help education anyone that comes. Hope this helps and I hope your event is everything you want it to be.
