It is with great sadness that we share the passing of a dear member of the CheerForce family, Shari Brown. Shari was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 16 months ago, just days after she was asked to be a team mom for one of our Level 5 teams. As only Shari could, she stayed on as team mom, all the while fighting a battle that none of us could even begin to comprehend. The day before Shari passed on to a world of no pain, she showed me an old photograph of her old "cheerleading days". We got a good chuckle out of it, and it helped me understand why she loves cheer so much. It was in her blood at a young age, and she continued to work with the sport as the Van Nuys High School cheerleading coach for many, many years.Shari is survived by three beautiful daughters (ages 16, 12 and 7), all of whom are a part of our cheerleading program. It is the priority of the family to keep the girls' lives as "normal" as possible. Thank you to all of the wonderfully generous people that have come forward to offer their help and support. To all that wish to help keep these girls in cheer, the family has asked that monetary donations go directly to "CheerForce", with the memo stating "Shari Brown".The spirit of cheerleading is in all of us, and we are all touched by stories just like this. Even if you cannot offer financial support, the power of prayer is untouched. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers as they take each day at a time and find a way down this new path of life.Finally, Shari was well loved by many in our little bubble of Southern California. For any of you that had the privilege of knowing her, you are all invited to attend a memorial service in her honor. Memorial for Shari BrownThursday: 9-17-09Time: 1:30Mt. Sinai Memorial Park & Mortuary6150 Mt Sinai DrSimi Valley, Ca 93063As we head into a new competition season of cheer, may we call upon a spirit that allows us to enjoy each moment, never take anything for granted and shine a light upon the children we have the blessings to work with.God Bless,Becky HerreraCheerForce
