Tuesday, January 26, 2010

My Darling Clementine

Who is this Caroline I speak of?

My sister.

My best friend.

My daughter's namesake.

My children's Godmother.

My absolute inspiration in life.

A few pictures of her with the punks:







I adored Caroline as a child and love her even more today, now that we're old ladies at 30 (her) and 35 (me).

About 9 years ago, Caroline started on a journey fighting a rare autoimmune disease called Scleroderma. Click here for an overview. In simple terms, "sclero" means hard and "derma" means skin. It toughens the skin, and can also lead to damages to internal organs. It's a vicious disease that Caroline handles with enormous strength and grace.

From Scleroderma, she derived a secondary disease called Pulmonary Hypertension, which affects her lungs and heart. It's a tough battle as well.

Both of these diseases have contributed to the need for more daily meds than you or I could fathom taking, a 24 hour medicine called Flolan administered directly to her heart via a catheter through her chest, and now kidney dialysis for 10 hours each night while she sleeps.

And, after she wakes, she proceeds with her normal life as a high school English teacher and peer leadership program coordinator. She works with students before and after school, attends high school games and inspires kids in a way I could only dream of. Caroline is the epitome of strength and courage and the will to live.

Allen High School, where she teaches, chose Caroline as their recipient of "Love Week". Each year, the school focuses on a person or group, sells t-shirts and the proceeds go directly to the recipient to use as they wish. In this case, Caroline will use the money for medical bills and other disease-related expenses.
The shirt design is precious.......Oh My Darling Clementine........which I absolutely love.



If you'd like a shirt, click on this link. They're selling sizes Youth Small to Adult 3XLarge. And, if you buy one or more....for you or your children....please, please, please leave a comment or send me an email and let me know. I have a little favor to ask of you.

starnesco@yahoo.com

For more pictures of Caroline, click here for her 30th birthday recap or on the label at the end of the post.

Here's to my darling clementine!!!!

29 comments:

donatelli98 said...

OK - kind of a dumb question but will they ship them anywhere (i.e. outside of TX)? Let me know - I would like to order one.

starnes family said...

Yay!!!!!! Yes, they should. Let me know if you have any problems. Thank you!!!!!!

Kim said...

I love when youth rally for a great cause, that is awesome! So sweet, the bond you have with her. Makes me wish I had a sister.

Cate O'Malley said...

She sounds like an amazing person - and what a great cause - love the shirt!

Heather said...

sweet caroline.....

Coco said...

I am making my purchase right now! One for the whole family.

I love Caroline and have never even had the honor of meeting her.

Rebekah Williams said...

She is positively radiant and brave.

Thanks for sharing her story.

Dee Stephens said...

very inspiring..thanks for sharing.

donatelli98 said...

Ok - I am a total dope - I had originally selected the first credit card option and didn't see where they had one for those of us who wanted it shipped to them. I purchased mine this morning! Can't wait to get it in the mail.

Sara said...

I love this post and I'm going to buy my shirts right now!!!

Britney said...

We love you too, Caroline! Purchasing our shirts today...

Jennifer said...

Definitely purchasing a few! What an amazing thing to do for such an insprational person! I will send the link to my SIL with scleraderma too.

Momma to the A's said...

I just bought ours!

We will keep Caroline in our prayers! I have a sister too and would do anything in the world for her. Bless you for all of your support for her. I know you wouldn't have it any other way! Please keep us up to date on how she is doing!

Live.Love.Eat said...

Wow, I just cannot imagine. She sounds like an amazing person to give so much of her time and self while dealing with all that she does. I do remember her bday post and how she reminded me of Reese Witherspoon a bit.

I will check out the link and buy a shirt.

Kristen said...

Your sis sounds beyond amazing... you are lucky to have her as a sissy and your kids surely have a fabulous auntie!!

Anonymous said...

your sister is beautiful...and such a gorgeous smile. so happy she's smiling through it all. that schedule breaks my heart...she truly is the epitome of strength.

The Soladay Family said...

What an awesome thing the school is doing for her. I can only imagine the impact she is having on those kids....amazing. =)

Shannon said...

Such sweetness. When I see that a blog post is about Caroline, it's instant teariness before I even read it.

timmonstimes said...

I just ordered ours!

FROGGITY! said...

casey i am tearing up (sorry, my hormones are on a rampage, but this post is so sweet!) i want a shirt!!! i will go to the site. much love to your sista!

Tutus and Choo-Choos said...

Your sister must be truly inspirational for a group of students to pick her. Your post was so touching!

Leona said...

I just ordered my shirt and will pass along the information!

SASS said...

Sweet, sweet, Caroline! I love her dearly. You are SUCH a good sister, Casey. You are both so lucky to have one another. Buying shirts right now!!

Merry Mack said...

Done! I am excited too. What a neat idea. This was also a great post. Thank you for sharing.

The Rand's said...

That's so neat! Sweet Caroline!

Jodee said...

What a sweet post for your sister. She sounds like one amazing gal! I will buy a t-shirt too!

Cute pictures of Caroline with the punks!

Holly Lefevre said...

Wow...what an amazing woman and such a sweet relationship. That is so fantastic her school has selected her to help this year...people are amazing if you give them the chance.

Allyson and Dave said...

Your sister is truly an amazing woman. I admire and her strength.

michelle matthews said...

Such a sweet sweet post! Sisterly love is so strong!
I just purchased a shirt for myself!