Stacy Shaw
Fourth-grade student at The Nokesville School Elyse Robinson, 10, sadly passed away from cancer on May 7. Upon hearing the devastating news, community members offered a swift response, rallying around her family.
They organized a
GoFundMe campaign to support her Elyse's grandmother Karin Robinson with funeral and medical expenses.
Third-grade teacher Tiffany Kingston and kindergarten teacher Elizabeth Cameron organized the GoFundMe. They report Elyse touched many people's lives through her jubilant spirit and courageous attitude.
"Anyone who has been lucky enough to be touched by Elyse’s light will grieve this loss. Her family has truly lost a piece of their hearts," they wrote.
Kingston told Bristow Beat she was amazed by the girl's bravery and kind spirit.
"She was in my class last year and I had her write about a wish or dream she had for the future. She said 'I wish for no children to go through
cancer like me,'" Kingston said.
"She never said she wished for her cancer to go away she just wished for others to not have to go through it. She was a light. We all love her so much."
The goal was to raise $30,000. Presently, it has raised more than 26K to go towards Elyse's expenses thanks to approximately 280 individuals who gave. The Robinson greatly appreciates the gifts they have graciously given.
At the time of publication, the
GoFundMe page is still live for people to make donations. The organizers still would like to meet the goal, or even exceed it.
"We know that this is an amazing community capable of so many wonderful things! Please help us gather around Elyse’s family in their darkest moment. A moment no parent should have to go through," reads the GoFundMe.
The Brentsville District High School Athletics Booster Club joined the effort to support the Robinson family. The club is organizing a fundraiser at Friday's Brentsville girls soccer home game, May 17, 5:30 p.m., against Liberty High School.
At the game, friends (children and adults) can gather and celebrate Elyse's life while assisting her family. A portion of concession sales will be donated to Elyse's fund, plus special t-shirts the club has ordered. Parents even baked special cookies for the occasion.
Booster members who knew Elyse were likewise taken with her. The
BDHS Athletic Booster Facebook page post explains Elyse received a cancer diagnosis when she was in kindergarten. During the next five years, she retained a positive attitude. Her light was contagious.
"Anyone and everyone that has ever met Elyse loved her. There is no way you couldn't. The smile you see in this picture...this is how you ALWAYS saw Elyse. Even when she was feeling her worst, she never complained or lost her spirit...she was always a bright light at TNS."
Concessions will continue to sell t-shirts and cookies all night until they sell out. The girls varsity soccer game is scheduled for 7 p.m., so items may still be available.
The community is invited to either game to support Elyse and her family. Every gift is greatly appreciated!
