Claire
                                                                   September 27, 1971    -   August 13, 2004
July 2004
                                            from Latin meaning bright, clear
Claire Hulsey was an amazing light that shone amidst us for a brief time.   She loved life, but most of all she loved her son Michael, and his father Mike, her best friend.  Claire died far too young but with us she left precious memories and lessons about friendship, laughter, bravery, and love.  
Why this webpage?
The obvious purpose is to have a memorial for Claire which people can visit and share in the glow of a well lived life.  There are other reasons.  Burkitt's lymphoma affects 200 people in the US yearly, a bone marrow transplant can cure it.  Hopefully upon reading this people may be motivated to register with the National Bone Marrow Registry, it is much too late for Claire to be saved but there's always the chance that a life may be saved.  This site and its forum is also intended to be a meeting place for all of us who loved Claire and were lucky enough to have had her as a friend.  

Many met Claire when she worked in the YMCA Camp Tulequoia.  Over the years she held a variety of jobs  from dishwasher to head-counselor and more.  The friendships that were nurtured in their infancy at Camp TQ lasted years.  The true testimony to such friendships was the way, all of us came together to support Claire as she valiantly fought Burkitt's.   The devotion her sister Miriam and brother Matt displayed during this ordeal was inspiring.  So many people surrounded Claire and cheered her on during this fight, and she always said that Denise, Lianne, Keri and her siblings were the people who gave her the strength to fight so she could have more time with Michael.  

Claire often described Mike as "my rock...my best friend."  One evening she was tired, a little cranky and weakened from chemo and Mike called. Later, we came back into the room she was  relaxed she had on her red 'sexy bald head' baseball cap (which Mike had bought for her) and smiling said  "...even with a bald head he loves me"  She told us Mike had shown her real love and the true beauty of being loved "... he keeps me going for Michael."  Claire battled  Burkitt's so that she could be around for Michael and  Mike gave her steady,  constant strength and fought along side her.  Mike was her best friend, and his family was her family.  She often said she couldn't have fought without his strength and their support.
After the funeral Mike was outside chatting, he was wearing Claire's 'sexy bald head' baseball cap.  I told him I loved his hat, he smiled a little sad and said "She's always gonna be with Michael and me."


WORDS
People always tell me that they wish they had the right words to tell me during this time to make me feel better, but I wish I had the words to tell everybody what it means to me with all that has been done for me and the continuing love and help I am getting. I don't really feel I deserve all of this but I can tell you it is great to talk to all of my old friends again. Claire Hulsey

Thank you so much and you have the total right idea...........even if you didn't match me I hope you match someone.   Claire Hulsey

Times are rough kiddies...... I am not diggin this. I totally appreciate everything all you guys have done and are doing for me. I can't tell you how happy you have all made me with the blood drives, letters, , and emails. Its crazy.   I must go rest now, but I shall return. I love you all tons. Claire Hulsey (Claire's last forum entry late July 2004)

There's no way you could possibly know the impact you had on my life. I was always on the outside of the crowd looking in,but you just never let up on me. That summer you changed my life. By being around you, Mike, Kent, et al., I learned that being confident in who you are and having fun aren't crimes. Celeste Cornish


You are true FOC (Friends of Claire) and I salute you! It's your smiles that have been there to help hold her spirits up, your ears to listen when she wants to share and reflect, and your encouragement that softens each blow brought by her physicians. There is no greater sacrifice than to lie down your life for a friend...I see such a sacrifice in you. George Springfield

I am up late thinking of you again, and I want to be there with you right now. I hope you can sense that in your spirit.   You are so strong and brave and I want you to know that this doesn't go unnoticed.  Gretchen Roeth

Claire is my daughter. Even though she is not with me anymore, I continue to look for ways to connect to her memory and honor what she wanted. She wanted people to register for bone marrow transplant. Please do this in her memory.  Linda Denny

I am proud to have been Claire's friend - and I will always cherish her.  Michael Spalsbury

"That's the good that came out of it," Matt Dick , (Claire's brother) speaking after Claire's death, about the amount of people registered with NMDP.

Rest in peace friend, and know your boy is in good hands -- he will always be close to our hearts -- right next to you.  Keri Litchfield

I know that Claire appreciated her sister tremendously for leaving her life and coming to stay and take care of her along with you, Keri and Lianne for all the time spent with her during last summer. I also want to thank
 all who helped in her care.
Claire and I had our share of mountains and valleys, but she always knew that I would be there for her no matter what and I am glad that I was. She is spoken of often and freely in our home.  Denise Hulsey

Links:

Friends of Claire a forum/guestbook where friends come together and guests can leave a message.  Please enter your message here.

Celebrating Claire's Life Photos taken at Matt and Keri's house.  Old friends came together to celebrate Claire's life, and to ease each  other's grief.

News articles  a collection of news articles regarding Claire's battle with  
Burkitt's Lymphoma

Claire's Page and Forum The web page released in an appeal to reach bone   marrow donors.  Claire used the forum to messages to friends and family.

HELP NOW! Register and become the answer to someone's prayer.

Notes:

 Why all the red?
 When I first met Claire she told me red was her favorite color.  Her personality to me was red, she was full of life, warmth, love and attitude.
Claire and I met in the summer 1988.  In the summer of 1990 we lingered around the campfire for a couple of minutes talking about a particularly challenging day.  After a bit of chatting I walked with her to her cabin and she said "I just want to them to be happier for being here."    Spending time in the hospital with Claire we recalled many of our TQ moments.  One day I asked her if she remembered that particular night 14 years ago.    Claire laughed, and said "Nothing much has changed."  The conversation went on the subject turned to Michael (Claire's voice was always full of pride when she said his name or the words 'my son').   Claire's were fixed on Michael's photo taped on the bathroom door directly across from her bed, she was quiet for a moment and with a great smile said "My son is beautiful, and he is so loved, I just want him to be happy."

Our world is a happier place because of Claire's  brief  stay here.  To so many she meant so much.

Ana Cristina Mendonsa-Garaventa