The Buengers, the community of Bryan/College Station and the world at large lost a radiant girl yesterday morning. We have lost a young friend. I have lost an exuberant business partner in The Lanyard Project. I keep thinking that the impact of this loss is incalculable. Erin had the tenacity to outrun relapsed Neuroblastoma for about four years. Not only did she fight it, she did it while at the same time achieving her full potential in so many aspects of her short life. Erin was a bright young scholar, an accomplished athlete and soccer player, a motivated community activist, an excellent friend, a true and natural beauty, and the perfect champion for her cause - raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer research.
Erin valiantly fought this cancer with the aide of her close family, her mom, Vickie, her dad, Walter and sweet big brother, Davis. It was inspiring to watch Vickie raise her daughter so well under the ominous diagnosis of Relapsed NB. Erin was incredibly well cared for, nurtured and supported by her mom. Vickie has always made herself available to me when I had questions or needed support. I truly appreciate the friendship that I have formed with both Erin and her mom. It has meant a lot to me, Hans, Kevin and Elle as well. Hans relapsed at the same time as Erin progressed last spring. We have been through a lot together this past year - news of scans, clinic visits and chemo schedules, changes to treatment plans, etc. Vickie has never complained to me. And Erin, Erin always had that gorgeous smile to welcome us, and the sweetest little voice and laugh.
Erin stood apart from her peers in that she wasn't caught up in the trappings of her generation and culture. She was an excellent young citizen of this world and a huge hole is left in her absence.
To leave a note for Vickie, Walter or Davis, you can visit her site at www.erinbuenger.blogspot.com if you'd like to honor her memory, you can skip a lunch this week and put an ornament up on her tree, at www.lunchforlife.org.
Lara
8 comments:
Thank you. This is a wonderful tribute.
VB
Oh my gosh, Lara! I came just to a check up with you, and see how well Hans is doing. I obviously don't know Erin, or her mom, but I have seen her mom post to your site, and saw the photos you put up of Erin when you all visited at their house. What a beautiful little girl! I'm so saddened for her, for her family, and you all, too. My deepest sympathies go out to you, and to her entire family. I can't imagine how much you all must be hurting.
Love Shelley
We're very sad to hear this news...
We'll visit their site and leave and ornament in Erin's memory.
Happy Easter to you all!
Erin's passing is indeed a tragedy. The Buengers have done such a wonderful job of sharing her spunk, humor and courage. It is amazing how these NB children, for their ages, seem to live life so fully and make the most of each day. We should all be striving to follow their examples.
I hope everyone reading your tribute is compelled to honor Erin, Hans and all of the other children by skipping a lunch out and contributing to lunch for life!
Love, G. Kathy xoxo
Oh, thank you for sharing a bit of sweet Erin with all of us...I hold her and her family in my heart with love.
Hugs to all,
Aunt Susy
I had a chance to meet Erin and her mom in December. Lara your wonderful description of Erin, a precious little girl, helps me feel closer to her beautiful spirit.
Love and prayers go out to the entire Bueger family.
I've of course read of the lanyards Erin has been making. What a fantastic idea and I'm sure she'd be thrilled to see many, many more made. I'll be praying that such a simple thing brings tons of hope to Hans and other kids like him.
Sending positive thoughts to you as you try to deal with the loss of such an amazing girl and friend.
-Jennifer
www.kidscancercrusade.org
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