IN MEMORY OF

Alan Ebertz

Alan Ebertz, long time friend and supporter of RCF has passed away after a long battle with Ewing Sarcoma. Alan’s wife, Laura, advocated tirelessly on his behalf and they were persistent in their work to push for a cure for Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Alan was a loyal and devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend, who loved to coach soccer with various local soccer clubs. Alan worked for many years at Mindex Technologies. His favorite things in life were spending time with family and friends. He was a lifelong Rams football fan and had a passion for sports, cooking, and grilling.

RCF will continue to honor Alan’s legacy and we will not give up until we find a cure.

IN MEMORY OF

McCarley Jean Rutledge

Late on Wednesday, November 24th, Carley’s battle with Ewing sarcoma ended at age 27. Between Carley’s initial diagnosis in 2010 and these last months, Carley had many healthy and vibrant years. Although cancer had weakened her body, it never weakened her spirit and she died as she lived, as a bright light, blessing those around her.

We often compare cancer to a battle, but really, her battle wasn’t against cancer at all. It was against despair. Anyone who knew Carley knows that she triumphed to the end. She never once complained, and in her last breaths she was saying thank you to me, the nurses, her doctors. Like Carley, we say thank you. Thank you for the light you brought to our lives, Carley.

We are thankful for the joy and laughter that Carley brought to all of us, and thankful to God for her beautiful life.

Carley posted on her birthday: “There is power in me yet; my race is not yet run.” Carley, we know your light will continue to bless others, even after you have gone.

Laura

IN MEMORY OF

Emily Hearne

Emily Caroline Hearne was born February 13, 1995 in Dallas, TX. The oldest of four children, her childhood was full of love, laughter, and adventure. There was rarely a quiet day in the Hearne house! At an early age she had an understanding of Jesus’ great love and sacrifice for her and loved learning about her faith and studying God’s word. She loved using her imagination, whether it was writing/performing skits with her siblings, playing in the backyard, growing things in our vegetable garden, or playing with her sister and their American Girl Dolls. She was an avid reader from an early age which continued into her adult years. She read over 50 novels in 2022 alone! As she got a little older she loved all things dance, taking ballet, jazz, and tap. She carried her love of dance into her high school years being on the Highlandettes drill team at Lake Highlands High School. She continued her education at Ole Miss where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma and developed lifelong friendships. She graduated with a degree in education and fulfilled a desire to be a teacher which began when she was in junior high. In her over five years of teaching 2^nd and 3^rd grade at Prestonwood Elementary, she loved the way all of the staff supported each other. She also loved her students and found creative ways to keep them engaged in learning. Emily enjoyed learning about new places and experiencing new things, everything from traveling to another country to trying a new type of food. She loved cooking, especially baking and was known by her family and friends as the “Charcuterie Board Queen.” We could always count on Emily to show up to a gathering with a well planned appetizer or dessert, wearing something cute and on-trend! Emily met her boyfriend Grant at the start of 2020 and we could tell by the way she lit up when she first talked of him that they had something special. Three years later she still had that same smile when she was about to see him. We will be forever grateful for a beach trip we took this summer with our whole family including her boyfriend Grant and Marshall’s girlfriend Cassidy. Emily packed a lifetime of living in her almost 28 years. Even once she was diagnosed with cancer she still wanted to embrace life being with those she loved. When each new area of her life became more difficult because of her illness, she continued to trust that God had a greater purpose at work. She adapted to each new physical challenge with a perseverance that was beautiful to witness. She taught us to embrace life every day like it could be your last and make time for the people in your life. Surrounded by her family, she went to be with her Lord and Savior on New Year’s Eve 2022. A few days prior she had written “New Year’s Resolution #1… Tell people you love them more!”

Emily is survived by her parents, Michael and Julie Hearne; her sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Jay Dobbs; her brothers Marshall and Miles Hearne; her grandparents Al and Judy Hearne, Harvey Fattig, and Janell Brawley; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She also leaves behind her beloved Corgi, Leo who is now being cared for by her parents and “Godfather” Miles.

IN MEMORY OF

Krishna Rani Broker

Krishna Rani Broker was born on April 15, 2007 to Deepika and Harshal Broker. As the oldest, Krishy loved being a mini-mom to Anjali and Nikhil. She is and will always be loved as a selfless and caring soul, taking care of others instinctively, even asking about the welfare of others when she was in the hospital herself.

Krishy loved to entertain and engage with everyone around her and drew them in with her infectious laugh and beautiful smile. Her favorite singer was Billie Eilish and she loved to dance to her music. Krishy was always busy doing arts and crafts, tie dye, and practicing to be a horror SFX artist. She wanted to be a chef, scientist, choir teacher, nurse, and SFX artist all at once. Krishy loved candy, bunnies, hip hop dancing, dogs in general and Bujji in particular, sushi and anything pink!

She is survived by her parents, Harshal & Deepika Broker; siblings, Anjali and Nikhil; favorite aunt, Monica Gopu; and grandparents, Nirmala & Vijay Gopu, and Reena & Sunil Broker; and many loving family and friends.

IN MEMORY OF

James Lawson Penny

James Lawson Penny “Lawson” passed away on April 10, 2021, at the age of 31. Lawson was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 1, 1989. He attended Trinity Valley School, The University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Lawson was a very intelligent, witty, sensitive and kind person, with a burning desire to achieve excellence in whatever he pursued. He would dive “full speed ahead” into various endeavors, ranging from attending the Hank Haney School of Golf in South Carolina to participating in Strongman competitions in Texas. Lawson enjoyed being cast in several short films while at UT Austin, as well as singing with his beautiful, powerful voice (resulting in ear ringing for innocent bystanders!) Lawson was dearly loved and will be deeply, deeply missed. He left this earth far too soon. His family takes comfort in knowing that we will all be with him again in eternity.

IN MEMORY OF

Lilli Curry

Lilli was an amazing person and had an extraordinary gift of sharing her love for life in a way that brought out the best in others. She could relate to and connect with anyone from all walks of life. She was fun and creative and compassionate and a million other amazing qualities. She loved learning and doing everything…everything except fighting cancer. But, she rarely complained about the fight in her five-year battle with Ewing Sarcoma.

And, goodness, was she a fighter. She battled through more chemo treatments and surgeries and radiation and clinical trials in five years than anyone should have to in 10 lifetimes, let alone a child. But when the end came, she peacefully settled into the loving arms of a host of angels who escorted her to heaven. She passed away at the way too young age of 16. She shed her decaying earthly body for the perfect one Jesus had waiting for her in heaven. Her family, friends and those who knew her were blessed by her and miss her deeply. But, we also know we will see her again. Knowing she will be there to welcome us gives us comfort.

(Written by Lilli’s father, John Curry)

Lilli’s family has established the Lilli Curry Memorial Fund to go toward promising research for Ewing sarcoma. It is their passion to find a cure that is less toxic, allowing everyone afflicted with this disease to live a long and healthy life. Thank you for your generosity and compassion in supporting this most important work in honor of Lilli.

Lilli’s family has established the Lilli Curry Memorial Fund to go toward promising research for Ewing sarcoma. It is their passion to find a cure that is less toxic, allowing everyone afflicted with this disease to live a long and healthy life. Thank you for your generosity and compassion in supporting this most important work in honor of Lilli.

IN MEMORY OF

Noah Shohet

Noah Shohet was a smart, confident, and charismatic young man who lived life with unbridled joy and infectious positivity. He lit up a room, made friends easily, brought out the best in people, played the guitar, danced, told jokes, and made a mean taco.

At 19 years of age, Noah was away enjoying his freshman year at University of Michigan when he began having intermittent right knee pain. It was so minor he did not even mention it to his parents at first. Unfortunately, an x-ray done soon after showed an aggressive bone cancer, confirmed as Ewing sarcoma following a biopsy. After enduring limb salvage surgery and many months of chemotherapy, he was able to return to college. At 22 years old, 2 years after completing chemotherapy, routine scans revealed he had relapsed. He was determined to live life to the fullest and maintain his amazingly positive attitude while he endured more chemotherapy. Sadly, 5 years and 10 months from his initial diagnosis, on May 17, 2021, at the age of 25, Noah passed away.

Noah’s experience propelled his family to raise funds for Ewing sarcoma research so that a cure for this disease can be found. They will continue to support our efforts to find less toxic and more curative treatments for Ewing sarcoma.

IN MEMORY OF

Shawn Alan McLaughlin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shawn Alan McLaughlin, 62, of Fort Worth, TX on Sunday April 16th, 2023.

Shawn, born September 9^th 1960, grew up in Benbrook, TX with his sisters Karen and Diane under the loving care of their parents Wayne and Martha McLaughlin. He went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. Shawn’s time as an Aggie and member of the Corps of Cadets provided him with fond memories and strong friendships throughout his life. When he and his wife Cindy McLaughlin settled in Fort Worth, TX, they became active members of the community through commitments to Christ Chapel Bible Church, Trinity Valley School, the Traveling Aggies, the Rutledge Cancer Foundation, and many other organizations.

A devoted father, husband and friend, Shawn is survived by his beloved wife Cindy McLaughlin of Fort Worth, TX, his son Connor McLaughlin, his sisters Karen McLaughlin and Diane Boorman, brother-in-law Warren Boorman, and nephew Daniel Boorman. Shawn also leaves behind a myriad of family and friends to whom he was a tremendous support and companion. Shawn’s wide array of interests and hobbies allowed him to befriend many who quickly became lifelong connections. His dry wit and sly smile will be dearly missed in conversations, and memory of his unwavering faith and steadfast commitment to his loved ones will live on in his community.

The McLaughlin family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support throughout this time, especially the care Shawn received at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX and Baylor, Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation of Fort Worth, TX.

The McLaughlin family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Rutledge Cancer Foundation: Rutledge Cancer Foundation.

IN MEMORY OF

Tate Wood

Tate was a loving and giving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend who is missed dearly by all who loved him. He was passionate about NBA Basketball and NFL football, he loved buying and selling sports cards, fantasy football leagues and watching games. His favorite NBA player was Chris Paul and he loved Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. He played golf all through high school and enjoyed the game. He was always the life of any get together and enjoyed spending time with his many friends and family.

Tate graduated from Wylie East High School in 2015 and his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management was awarded posthumously in December of 2021. The last year of his college classes, he worked through as he was undergoing treatment; a testament to his grit and determination.

Tate was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma of the Gastroesophageal Junction at age 22. He courageously battled through a major surgery and many treatments, ultimately losing his battle in July of 2021. Throughout his 2 year battle he was courageous and never gave up the hope that he would be healed. During Christmas time, in 2019, while receiving radiation treatment, Tate was given a stocking that was put together by the Rutledge Cancer Foundation. One of the items in that stocking was a portable speaker. It was his favorite thing, he loved music and it gave him peace and comfort to listen to it. That speaker is why his parents, Mike and Julie, work to give to RCF in Tate’s name, to give speakers, with a note on them that shares Tate’s story. Tate continues to inspire those who loved him as well as those who hear his story to be like him and love others well.

IN MEMORY OF

Walker Reese

Walker was an amazing and loving son, brother, cousin and friend, who will be missed dearly. His passion was baseball; playing, watching, talking about it with anyone who had knowledge of the game. He was a stand-out left-handed pitcher, who played at the highest level. As a Senior in High School, in spite of his cancer diagnosis, he was given a walk-on invitation to play at Abilene Christian University. Everyone had hope for a full recovery.

Diagnosed at age 19 with Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), a rare form of sarcoma, Walker determined to beat this disease. Stopping baseball only during his grueling treatments, he bravely persevered, fully expecting to return to the mound. Throughout his three year battle, he continued to set an example of positivity and perseverance. He took joy in knowing his family, friends and faith were always there to see him through. His life exemplified Jesus’ faith through suffering, his compassion and love for others, and living life with an eternal perspective for what God has in store beyond this life.

His family has no doubt that he is in heaven pitching perfect games! Walker continues to inspire and motivate us all to live our lives to the fullest, and to find a cure to this dreadful disease.

IN MEMORY OF

Wyatt Donahue

David Wyatt Donahue passed away, peacefully, in Austin, Texas on Friday, April 13, 2021 at the age of 27. Born in Memphis, Tennessee on June 2, 1993, Wyatt became a Texan when his family moved to Fort Worth in 1996. After attending Trinity Valley School for 13 years, he studied at The University of Mississippi, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Business Administration in 2016.

He immediately began his Risk Management career at Brown and Riding Insurance Services Inc. and then joined Risk Placement Services (RPS) as a Broker in 2019, and had advanced to the position of Area Assistant Vice President.

Wyatt loved life, his friends, family, travel, football, soccer, Ole Miss, Texas, the MAVs, skiing, and fishing. He expressed his beliefs and opinions- always original- with eloquence and passion. He always defended the underdog. Given the importance Wyatt always attributed to the needy in our community and the health of his dearest friends, memorial donations may be made to the two organizations nearest and dearest to his heart. Rutledge Cancer Foundation is honored to be chosen as one of those organizations.

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