On Tuesday of this week a tragic battle ended. My niece’s struggle with an eleven year battle with cancer ended. Danielle possessed a charisma and determination that I have not ever seen equaled by another when facing unknown outcomes. In her short life she was faced trials that are unimaginable for anyone at any point in their life. She was first diagnosed with cancer at the very young age of eight, lost her father due to the same disease when she was seventeen and one year after her father’s death cancer creeped back into her life to start another battle.
One thing that Danielle did that was completely remarkable is she set goals for herself and struggled to meet every one of them. Simple things like walking a lap at relay for life under her own power, getting a drivers license, attending prom and graduating from high school. These were all huge milestones for her and she met everyone of them. Giving up was not in her vocabulary.
In her quest to graduate from high school she became well loved by the students at Brantley County High School. The students honored her determination by voting her as their prom queen for 2008. They will also be placing a memorial bench at the school to honor her so future students can learn from her determination.
The family has received an outpouring of support. I personally would like to thank. Bennett’s Pharmacy, Waynesville Volunteer Fire Department, the Glynn and Brantley County Police Departments, the Brantley County High School Class of 2008 and it’s staff. Your acts of kindness did not go unnoticed.
What a lovely tribute to Danielle. As her cousin (her father Elmer was my uncle), it is so hard to accept that her life has ended so earlier but I know that as everyone has reminded me, she is no longer suffering. She taught us so much about pressing on to meet her goals. I only hope that I can take some of what I learned from her and put it to good use.
Rest in peace Danielle. You will be missed by all.
This is wonderful reflection on Danielle Strickland’s life. Danielle was only with us a short time but God had a plan for her in that short time because he used her to touch the lives and hearts of so many. I lost a very special cousin to cancer last week. Rest In Peace…Danielle Strickland! I love you!
I met Danielle 5 years ago when I married her cousin David Garrett. She is a true inspiration of self determination, strong willed and charismatic personality. She will be missed but never forgotten. Thank you Danielle for reminding me that you can smile through the toughest of times!
Love you and I promise you will never be forgotten!
I didn’t know Danielle but have read about her and seen her my space. I feel like I really missed out by not knowing such a beautiful person.
This is a touching tribute to a wonderful young woman who was an inspiration for others in her high school and community. GOD Bless you and my prayers will include her and your extended family.
Paul,
I’ve been unsure about how to get in touch with your family, but I wanted you to now that we will be honoring Danielle tomorrow night at Brantley County High School with our Dinner Theater, a One Act presentation of Dreamwalk, a tale of two teenage cancer patients and how they cope with life, death, family, and relationships. Please email me for more specific information.
20% of the proceeds of this event will be donated to The Southeastern Cancer Unit in Danielle’s memory.