Thursday, February 26, 2009

Celebrating Henry

We will celebrate Henry's memory on Tuesday, March 3rd. Please see the details below.

9am - 11am Family to receive visitors
11am - 12pm Memorial Service

Cortland Mansion
19411 Cortland Dr
Hagerstown, MD 21742


Afterward we will gather to visit and will have light fare. Please wear happy clothing. Henry will be present only in memory and our hearts. We have donated his body with the hope of furthering understanding of Medulloblastoma. We would love to have your children there, but understand if you decide otherwise. We will have set aside a separate space for them with toys, books and activities to be tended by volunteers.

In lieu of flowers, we would ask that donations be made to one of the following organizations from whom we had so much physical, emotional, medical and personal support.

The Children's Oncology Group at Johns Hopkins
CureSearch.HelpHenry.info

The Believe in Tomorrow Foundation
bit.HelpHenry.info

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
alsf.HelpHenry.info

St. Baldrick's Foundation
StBaldrick.HelpHenry.info

It is becoming more apparent moment by moment that Henry touched many lives. Thank you for your anecdotes and inspiration, love and kindness. We'd love to hear of a special time or memory you have about our Henry and will have a collection place for anecdotes at the service.

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your family is truly amazing. Henry and your family will forever remain in our hearts.

Anonymous said...

Bryan -
I am so sorry for your family's loss. Henry was a great inspiration - he was so courageous getting his MRI in our KKI research study! I will still tell children of the brave young boy who was able to fly to the moon with his friends when he got his MRI. I will be thinking of you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Dear Bryan,

Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your son. You and your family are in our thoughts.

Sincerely,
Shirley/Alex's Lemonade Stand

Anonymous said...

Hugs, thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss!

May God grant grant you all strength, wisdom, and most of all -- faith.

Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Black bird singin in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Black bird signin in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
Black bird fly...

Anonymous said...

DEAR BRIAN AND TARA

THINKING OF YOU ALL LOVE AND SO MANY PRAYERS,.. LOVE IN CHRIST BETH

Anonymous said...

Henry had an impact on so many lives. Many of my nursing students followed his story & have learned so much from him & your entire family. You all continue to be in our thoughts & prayers.

Michele & Steve

Anonymous said...

Hey there Henry...I know you were greeted by a beautiful angel yesterday, she was waiting for you, and is probably showing you all around. You were an amazing and brave little boy on earth, and know you will be much more in heaven.

To the family: All I can say is that I am sorry you had to go through this. You are am amazing family, and I could not get you guys out of my thoughts, the last couple of days. You will get through this together, I promise! My favorite memories of Henry, were of course seeing him in the halls of the hospital and the playroom. He reminded me soo much of Talia, kinda quiet, kept to himself, and was very independent. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for any of you.
With Love,

Anonymous said...

Bryan, Tara, Anna and Sophia,

Henry has touched so many lives in his sweet little life. He will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him. He inspired many throughout his journey. I am so sorry for your pain and loss. Please know that so many people are holding you up right now in prayer and love. May you find the strength and courage to face this most difficult time.

Sincerely,
Susanne

Anonymous said...

Dear Bryan, Tara, Anna, and Sophia,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers for many months and I am so very saddened to learn of Henry's death. He touched many lives that he didn't even know about. You are all an amazing family. God will take care of Henry and of you. May you find comfort knowing that so many people care about you and know your story. Much love and sympathy, Erin Pryor Gollogly and family

Jen said...

It sounds like you are going to have a wonderful celebration of Henry's life. He won't soon be forgotten even by those of us who never had the chance to meet him in person.

My best loving thoughts of support are going to your family and friends- thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.

Anonymous said...

Bryan and family.......

I have been following your journey with Henry for over a year now and have engaged others who have joined me in prayer for you and your family during these times.

Please know that Henry and your family.....have taught me lessons on how to live through trials and tribulations with incredible courage and grace.....on how to live more fully in the moment for we know not what tomorrow brings....and finally you have inspired me to love more fully, more completely, and more unconditionally.

I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to know Henry and your family through this blog and have become a better father, husband, and person as a result.

For now...I offer my continued prayers for your family.

God Bless....

Jeff Boyd
Frederick, MD
(Friend of Lisa and John Middlebrook)

Anonymous said...

It's hard to believe that a chance encounter at The Children's House could have such a profound effect on my life. We met your family last April, and again in October during our stay there and I have been following your blog ever since. Just like so many others, I have cried many tears with your family and prayed for you every day. Through your journey, I have become a better person and a better mother. I no longer take for granted how much time there may be, and instead, I focus on each day. I stop and take time with my children that I otherwise may not have taken. I thank you so much for this gift but I am sorry my lessons came through such a difficult situation for your family.
Your writings are so insightful and heartfelt that I have felt like I was right there walking along with you. Your family is truly amazing and your children are blessed to have you and Tara as parents.
I will be thinking of you, always
Kara Skelly

Shopping Kharma said...

I am so saddened and sorry for your loss. What an amazing little boy and is now an angel.
I have a terminal cancer and am still fighting it strong and hope to for long time (perhaps a cure will be around the corner). I lost a son when he was only 2 days old and that is all the children I was blessed to have. Please treasure those memories you have of this amazing little boy. Despite this loss; believe it or not you are still lucky to have had those years to spend with him. He touched many lives. I wish you and your family all the best and am very touched by this blog and am thankful that you created this for all of us to enjoy.

Anonymous said...

Bryan and Tara,
Everytime I read this blog or think of the fun we had with Henry at our Peeples reunion, it brings such tears to my eyes. I am so glad I got to know Henry. He really touched my life in a special way. My thoughts are with you all and may you have a wonderful celebration of Henry's life March 3rd.
Cousin Susan H.

Anonymous said...

We are with you in spirit and will be continue to think of you as you celebrate Henry's spirit on Tues (and everyday!) Blessing on all of you.
Hugs
Linda and Val

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Brian and Henry share birthdays and were in school together. Miss Sandy- and RoRo's class. I can remember plain as day the kids in the bucket seats for snack time and lunches. Their first days in cots for naptime. Brian said to me in December I saw Henry! I did not realize until I spoke with Dee- we found him! Henry is one great buddy- Bry bry says Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Henry will be missed-but alive in our hearts
Please take care-
Patty, David, and Brian Rutter

Anonymous said...

Tara, Bryan and family,
Henry's story as you have shared it radiates with hope, grace, and love. The feelings projected by the words here are inspirational. You are all in our prayers, thoughts and hearts.

Vincent Rago & family

Anonymous said...

We are so saddend by your loss. We remember Henry at a very young age from The Learning Center. Brady and him were such good buddies and Henry was such a sweet boy. We think of you often....God bless, Brian, Tracy, Brady and Dylan Starliper

Anonymous said...

May all you memories you have in the short years you had Henry in your life help you through this tough time. Cancer has taken its toll on so many families, mine for one. No matter what the age it is hard to loose a loved one. God Bless you and all of your family during this time.

Anonymous said...

May all your memories you have of Henry's short time with you help you through this tough time. Cancer touches so many lives and we always has God why. He will always be your special angel and bright shining star. No matter how old they are when cancer takes them it is hard. May family and friends help you through this time. God Bless you and your family and may his star shine upon you brightly.

Anonymous said...

Your beautiful writings and thoughts that you shared with the world about Henry on this website have been an inspiration to so many. Little Henry's short life has touched the hearts of more people than you will ever know. Your family and Henry have shown us all how fragile life is. His specialness and the way that he handled things that even an adult shouldn't have to face has left a forever mark on my life. May your family be comforted by all of your precious memories and know that friends, known and unknown to you by name are thinking and praying for your peace.
God bless you little angel,
Henry K. Scheck.
I look forward to meeting you someday in Heaven.
Love,
Terra,Warren,Anthony&Logan Strait

Anonymous said...

Brian, Tara, Anna & Sophia.
My thoughts and prayers have been with each of you along with Henry through this journey. I have shared your family with my co-workers and my church family and they have often asked about Henry. I was so saddened to hear of his passing, but know that he is now a special Angel in heaven and with our God who makes all things possible. Please know that each of you will continue to be in my prayers as we journey on in our lives.

Anonymous said...

God bless your family

Anonymous said...

Bryan,
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family, and I smile as I see that grinning Henry on your Wednesday post. I heard about Henry through HFCC last year, and have randomly heard updates throughout the year. I was told of his passing today and was directed to your blog. I have spent hours now, reading your blog in reverse, as my children lay sleeping across the hall. I am in awe of your son. At a tender age he displayed such wisdom, humor, and courage. And I am in awe of you and your family. Your wisdom, courage, passion and love for your son and family have moved me from tears to laughter to tears again. I feel the need to go hug my children. Henry, with your help, has reminded me of such an important tenant of life - to live in the moment, to love in the moment and to be in the moment. Your son, in his short life, lived large, touching so many lives. I never knew Henry, but he has touched my life and therefore my children's in such a positive way.
God bless you, your wife, your daughters and your angel son.
Amy

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this great time of sorrow. Your writing has continued to show the courage your family has endured throughout Henry's challenge. You gave him love, happiness, strength, and hope every day of his life. May you find peace in knowing that you all did so much for Henry.
Sean and Stacey Buckley

Michelle said...

My heart will be in Hagerstown, MD tomorrow, and I will pray for your family before my feet hit the floor in the morning.

Michelle in VT (3/2/09)

Anonymous said...

Bryan, Tara, Anna & Sophie-
I am so sorry for your loss.I can't imagine the emotional journey this will take you and your family. You are courageous and admirable, just as Henry was.

I am unable to attend the memorial service, but I will look to heaven and say a prayer for you.

Love and prayers to you all-
Sammi, Kirk, Matthew, Cameron, & Reagan Johnson

chasityfink said...

Dear Scheck Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We didn't know Henry personally but we felt as if we did thru this website. What a wonderful little boy!!
Love and Sympathy,
Chasity, Brian and Brian Jr.

Anonymous said...

My heartfelt prayers are with your family today. May you find the strength you need today, and in the days ahead. God bless all of you.

Kara

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you in Wichita this morning as you celebrate Henry's life

Anonymous said...

Bryan, Tara, Anna and Sophia,

The Shadyside Family Medicine Residency sends its deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. Many of us have followed Henry's story and have been forever touched by your postings. We were so very saddened to hear the news. May you find comfort and peace in the memories you have of your beautiful little angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today as you celebrate this precious life.

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking of all of you today and the memorial service for Henry. It may be cold out, but at least the sun is shining brightly.
I will continue to pray for you as you go through the coming days of adjustment.

Your Friend in Frederick,
Jocelyn Wetzel

Anonymous said...

Dear Scheck Family:

I too have felt blessed to have been a part of your family's journey. My favorite quote is "Life is not measured by the amount of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away". I don't think I fully grasped that idea until I became a follower of Henry's Challenge. From almost the beginning of his diagnosis, through treatments, and relapse, I have laughed, cried, hoped and feared with you. I do not know how a boy I have never met could impact me in these ways. At first, I thought I must be crazy--but as I read account after account of other people who feel the same way--I know that he was so special. I know that I can never understand the pain that you are going through but I think it is important for you to hear how amazing we all think Henry is and how beautiful your family has been thoughout--My thoughts will always be with you--I will make it a priority to always give to the cause--and I will try my hardest to pay it forward. Your message "life is fragile but love is not" will be with me always. For that I thank you.
Peace to your family,
Jen

Anonymous said...

Tara, Bryan, Anna and Sophie, What a beautiful time we had celebrating Henry-he is my hero.
nk

Anonymous said...

Tara, Bryan, Anna and Sophie,
What a beautiful day we spent together remembering our special little guy. The love felt in the room was so powerful. Henry's brief life touched so many in countless ways.
I miss him
nance