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Addie's Memorial

Tree planting, butterfly release held Sunday in memory of 8-year-old

Dozens of children, along with parents, teachers and other members of the Sidney community attended a tree planting and butterfly release Sunday afternoon at the Living Memorial Gardens in memory of 8-year-old Adeline "Addie" Elder who passed away from a brain tumor in February. "It was amazing what they did for her," Addie's mother, Kristin, said.

In Jan. 2015, Addie was diagnosed with stage four Glioblastoma Multiforme, a rare and highly malignant form of brain tumor, shortly after her family had moved from Missouri to Sidney. She underwent treatment while continuing to attend second grade at South Elementary School.

"She just go along with everybody," Kaela Cole, Addie's second grade teacher, said.

Kristin said Addie was really close with all of her classmates, who helped her get through her treatment with things like pajama parties as well as just being there for her.

"They're the sweetest bunch of kids that I've ever met in my life," she said. "These kids, they were behind her every step of the way. Like, when her hair started falling out, they said, 'That's okay, we love you matter what your hair looks like.' They were all really close."

In support, "Addie's Turtle Power" was formed, with her classmates and parents wearing t-shirts and wristband adorned with a turtle shell logo.

"She loved the Ninja Turtles," Kristin said.

A gofundme.com fundraiser was started to help offset Addie's medical expenses, raising $7,000 as she prepared for her second round of radiation and chemotherapy.

On Feb. 13, Addie passed away at the Ronald McDonald House in Aurora, Colo.

Before her passing, the Team Ashtyn Foundation, a non-profit originating out of Gering that specializes in "magical moments" for families with a child suffering from cancer residing in the Nebraska panhandle, was planning to do something special for Addie and her family.

"When she ended up leaving us in February, we felt that we needed to something for the class," Kristin said. "If we can't do something for her, then we'll do something for them, because that's what Addie would've wanted."

Team Ashtyn set up Sunday's tree planting ceremony, inviting Addie's classmates and parents to celebrate her life at the Living Memorial Gardens at the American Legion Park in Sidney. Guests were treated to pizza and cupcakes prior to the ceremony.

Jennifer Schwarz, co-founder of the Team Ashtyn Foundation, then spoke about Addie and what her family had decided to give to her classmates.

"With the family, we threw around a lot of ideas, and their idea was to give her classmates a way to remember her," Schwartz said.

Each of Addie's classmates, along with a couple of her very close friends, received small Chromebook laptops emblazoned with the "Addie's Turtle Power" logo on the front, along with the message, "Gifted to you in loving memory of your classmate, Addie."

"It's definitely something that the kids can use for a long time," Kristin said.

A bur oak tree was planted next to the gardens, Addie's classmates helping by using their hands to shovel dirt. Placed beside the tree were two memorial markers as well.

The students were then handed small pink envelopes, each containing a butterfly, which they released into the sky to end the ceremony.

"It was a gorgeous day, and we had a good turnout," Cole said. "Addie would have loved it."

Kristin was thankful to everyone for their help.

"It's wonderful thing," Kristin said.

For information on the Team Ashtyn Foundation, visit teamashtyn.org.

 

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