As both the Mitchell and the Stillbrave family have been navigating the tremendous loss of Tom Mitchell, we remind everyone of something Tom said himself: “There is a heartbeat that lies right beneath the surface of Stillbrave. It beats a strong and determined rhythm. It has a life of its own. It's bigger than any one person. It's Much, Much bigger than Tattoo Tom. I am very humbled and honored to be used by this heartbeat in anyway it sees fit to use me. It is the real Director of Stillbrave.” An important message from Shannan on behalf of the family of Tom: Our father said this. He believed it. He gave us a VOICE. Our dad was grander than any words could explain. He loved chicken wings and sitting around watching videos of the Grateful Dead. He told the best jokes and had the best laugh. He loved everyone he met. He also loved running 200+ mile ultra-marathons to raise money for children fighting cancer because nothing else was being done. He really did that. He did whatever he could because he WAS and IS somebody. He did that despite a life full of reasons to convince him he couldn’t. He did it all despite the odds. The true spirit of Stillbrave is doing it despite the odds. Doing it because no one else is. Being the somebody you have always wanted and/or needed. My dad stood for that and represented that because he never had that role model himself. I imagine it is a lonely world to feel the weight of needing to be your own hero. Yet in that need, he became our hero. He is my hero. While we let go of the physical foundation, the spiritual foundation of Stillbrave is to promise to make a difference to someone else. My sister looked my father in his face as she died and asked if she was still brave. My father heard that and not only confirmed it, but showed it through all he did as the FOUNDER of Stillbrave Childhood Cancer Foundation. I say this with the heaviest of hearts that I must pass my dad’s torch on to all of us to carry and continue. Stillbrave without Tattoo Tom is just a physical loss, but we can continue on with his spirit as we DO IT ALL DESPITE THE ODDS. BE THE SOMEONE. YOU ARE SOMEBODY. WE ARE STILLBRAVE. I love you, Daddy. Through music and stars and feathers and love. You are here. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love and unwavering support you have shown to Stillbrave over the years. Your dedication to children battling cancer and their families has been a beacon of hope and compassion, and we are endlessly grateful for your commitment to this cause. As we reflect on the profound legacy that Tom and Stillbrave have built, our greatest hope is that you will continue to stand with these brave kids and champion the incredible organizations that tirelessly serve them. While Stillbrave’s journey is coming to an end, its mission lives on through the work of others who share the same passion and purpose. In honoring Tom's and his family’s wishes, all remaining funds and assets from Stillbrave will be donated in memory of Shayla and Tom to three organizations: Sara’s Acts of Kindness, Our Amazing Fighters, and The Fairy Godmother Project. We believe this is the best way to carry forward Tom's dream and ensure that his love and dedication continue to impact families in need. Thank you for helping us keep Tom’s spirit alive. Together, we can ensure that all of us channel that energy to remain a force for good in the world. (fb)

🖤🖤🖤 (fb)