Dear Family and Friends,
As crazy as it sounds — at least to me — Summer would have been 30 years old today. Through the years, I’ve learned that endlessly speculating on who she might have become goes absolutely nowhere. We just don’t know…and never will. So instead, on this special day, I’m going to focus on remembering the amazing girl she was!
If you ever had the chance to hang around Summer, you learned pretty quickly that you never knew what she would do next! A lot of her zaniness centered on trying to make people laugh. Even from a very young age, she had a remarkable sense of humor. She combined that with other talents — like being able to burp on command. Once, on a very solemn, quiet, crowded elevator at MD Anderson that was slowly stopping on every floor, Summer — from her wheelchair — intentionally burped very loudly. Instinctively, I gave her bald head a playful smack and scolded, “Summer!” The entire elevator broke into laughter, and then everyone began talking to her and to each other. Later, I asked her why she did that, and she said, “To break the ice! Everyone is so doom and gloom on those elevators.”
The other thing about Summer was her big heart. At the end of fourth grade, the teachers handed out little awards for each student. Summer won “Most Empathetic.” Even in the fourth grade, her teachers could see it. Summer’s empathy is what started Team Summer. Now that empathy has connected hundreds of kids across the country, giving them strength, support, and friendship when they need it most.
Kids like 14-year-old Gianna, living in Illinois.
In May 2024, what started as a lingering respiratory illness and minor aches quickly turned into something serious. Blood tests done at a local ER revealed dangerously low platelet levels. From there, Gianna was rushed by ambulance to the children’s hospital, where her family received the devastating news: Gianna had leukemia.
Chemotherapy started the very next day.
Since then, Gianna’s journey has not been easy. She has faced intensive chemotherapy, a high-risk stem cell transplant, and serious post-transplant complications requiring multiple stays in intensive care. At one point, Gianna’s lungs failed during a procedure, and she needed to be placed temporarily on a ventilator. Scary stuff, for sure.
If EVER a girl needed a break, it was Gianna! Fortunately, she was nominated by the mother of Team Summer kid Madison, whom we remember lovingly, continuing the chain of giving that makes Team Summer so special.
When it came time to surprise Gianna over a Zoom call, our superstar Team Summer kid Haylee welcomed her into our group!
Gianna’s surprise? A VIP shopping spree at her favorite clothing and gift store, Uncharted! When Gianna learned what her gift was, her jaw dropped! Then she looked to her mom in disbelief and burst into a huge smile.
On the big day, Gianna was SO excited… and for good reason! From the moment she entered the store, she was treated like a rock star! The Uncharted team rolled out the red carpet with a sash and crown, a celebratory sign, balloons, a sparkling juice toast, and even some surprise gifts for her.
Then it was time for her shopping spree! Gianna was able to browse the entire store and pick out TONS of treasures! Some of her finds included Ugg sweatpants, pajama pants, candy, Crocs charms, body mist, Legos, and a notebook.
From start to finish, it was a magical day and a great distraction from everything she has been going through. Certainly, cancer was the furthest thing from her mind!
To everyone who makes gifts like this possible — thank you! Team Summer is going strong because of your generosity and unwavering support!
And please know, too, that your support holds me up as well. Especially on a day like today. Happy birthday, Summer. I’m so proud to be your mom!
Much love,
Lynne Dale
President
Team Summer
Happy Birthday to Summer.
We are truly in awe of Team Summer, her family and for the continued legacy of her life!
Shelley and Tom H.