05/29/2026
Today, Claire should be turning 16.💛 Her sweet sixteen, a day of abundant giggles and gifts.
Claire’s mom once spoke of all the “we don’t knows” that come with a birthday after loss. What kind of cake she would have wanted, what she would look like at 16, what her voice would sound like, how she would have wanted to spend the day.
What we do know is who Claire was at 10.
Silly Claire. Claire Bear. The girl with the huge imagination. The girl who loved her dog Freddy Von Fluffyplants, and dancing, and learning to play the harp. The girl who named her tumor Nerd. The girl who was everything grace and gratitude. And who earned the nickname “shepherdess” for her constant focus on caring for others.
That was Claire’s way, even while battling DIPG. Watching out for others, surrounding everyone with love and light. A promise her family carries on in her name as TCSN Ambassadors, raising much-needed research funds and proud participants in this month’s Relay for Research.
Happy Heavenly Sweet 16th, Claire. ✨ We miss you.