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Most of my interactions with Carly have been through her participation
in volleyball with my daughter during their junior and senior high
school years. I have always admired Carly's contagious enthusiasm
for the game and how hard she worked to make herself and her teams
better. Off the court, Carly was a sheer joy and always "up'
to have fun. Based on my first-hand observations during eight years
of watching Carly successfully battle all comers in volleyball, I
know that she has what it takes to win this, her most difficult, fight,
especially with the wonderful, loving support of her exceptional family
and her many friends. To me, Carly is a very special person, one who
has enriched my life for just knowing and being around her, and I'm
sure anyone who has come in contact with Carly feels the same way
as I do.
- Bob Berube
Our family has known the Draudt family for almost
ten years. Our daughters met and became friends playing volleyball.
I have always been impressed with the positive, kind, loving, gentle
manner of Christy and Gary and their daughters, Carly and Brittany.
I have witnessed the family's steadfast support and encouragement
before Carly's tragic accident and even more in these months that
have followed. Their love, compassion, gratitude, desire, spirituality,
dedication, and patience have helped to shape Carly's positive disposition
and will. The security they have exhibited will continue to strengthen
Carly as she now faces many difficult and unknown stages of her lengthy
and challenging recovery.
Carly has demonstrated over and over again throughout her life that
she is a fighter and a survivor. She has met many challenges successfully.
We all know, THIS CHALLENGE WILL BE HER LARGEST CHALLENGE!
Please join me and those close to her. We must help give Carly and
her family continued strength, support, and the courage to face all
that lies ahead. I want Carly and her family to know that there are
great numbers of friends and strangers that are praying for Carly
and her family. I ask that God's grace and healing continue to touch
their lives.
For Carly.....
I want so much to see that sparkle back in your eyes,
that beautiful smile back on your face,
and that desire to live life to the fullest, back in your heart.
Keep strong Carly and never quit trying! I believe in you!
I love you all.
- Sharon Berube
Carly has to be the best friend that anyone could
ever have. She has never failed to pick me up when I have been down.
My memories of her are endless and filled with smiles and laughter.
It’s hard to pick one specific memory that I have of her, because
I have so many that I cherish. My favorite thing about her is her
strength and her love of life. Carly truly is a beautiful person inside
and out, with the most contagious smile I have ever seen. All of the
little memories and moments that we have shared together combine to
make one huge friendship. I feel blessed to have her as a part of
my life.
- Ashley Howe
After high school winter formal Carly and I left
early and escaped to her parent’s house. When we got home her
mom listened to our stories of our awful dance and then she washed
our hair in her Kitchen sink. It was nights like this that made the
Draudt’s home an inviting and special place. Christie and Gary’s
love for Carly was so evident.
As they face this challenge and go-on day to day
their love for Carly is now indescribable. Their strength—remarkable.
I feel so lucky to be a part of the Draudt’s lives they have
so greatly enriched mine.
- Michelle Rockwood
I was blessed nine years ago when I first met Carly
Draudt and her family. Words cannot possibly explain how much the
entire Draudt family means to me. Over the years I have learned so
much from each of the Draudt's, but most of all from Carly. Carly
has taught me what it means to have drive, desire, kindness, values,
friendship, and love in my heart. Carly is a fighter. She knows what
she wants and she does whatever is necessary to achieve her goals.
Carly has impacted my life through her actions. Carly always has a
smile on her face and has a positive outlook on life's most difficult
situations. I just returned from visiting Carly and I feel as if I
am floating on clouds. The amount of kindness and love that Carly
exerts is contagious. One cannot help but feel inspired when you leave
the Draudt home. The amount of love that Carly has and her desire
to live life to the fullest is a lesson for each of us.
Carly, I love you with all of my heart and am blessed
to have you in my life. Continue to use your love for life to fight
through the tough times. God has blessed each of us through you. I
love you!
- Lisa Berube
Imagine that one amazing friend. That individual
who’s love is always warm and always accepting. Imagine Earth’s
perfection, beautiful in every way, even in her flaws. Imagine a young
woman, whose everyday kindness, brought about an unparalleled joy
to so many people.
It’s difficult to describe Carly and truly
do her justice. She is beautiful. She embodies everything wonderful
about the human spirit. I love her so very much, and I am so blessed
to call her my friend. She has touched my life, and has warmed my
heart. And for that, I am forever in her debt.
Be strong Carly. You mean so much, to so many. Continue
this fight, and so will we. You are not alone.
I love you.
- Leslie Bruce
Carly was the type of friend everyone wants in their
life. She was the one to make you smile, she was the one to make you
laugh. Carly was so well-rounded--from captain of the volleyball team,
to Coastal Carolina University's Dean's List, to safaris in Africa--she
was always looking for a challenge. At six feet tall, she walked with
grace and spoke with kindness. Yet, she always made a point to have
her opinion known. Her beauty stopped (and still stops) people in
mid-step. She was what everyone should be so lucky to know. Although
Carly has made progress, the potential for more is endless. Unfortunately,
the funds are not. The world deserves to know Carly, and Carly deserves
to know the best care possible. Hope is not lost. Please help us work
together to heal our Carly.
- Krystal Fonte
Dear Carly, Christy, Gary and Brittany,
In the few months I have had the privilege to spend
time with all of you and watch Carly’s progress, I have been
inspired more than words can say. Carly is living proof that miracles
do happen, and hard work pays off. I am lucky enough to get weekly
visits with Carly, and each time I see her I am amazed at how far
she has come. Christy, you are a pillar of strength like I have never
seen before. Each day you wake up and start this journey with Carly,
helping her every step of the way. Your courage is amazing. Gary,
unfortunately I have not gotten to spend as much time with you, but
the time I did spend, you greeted me with such a warm smile, I know
where your family gets their kindness. Brittany, enjoy college, and
have faith in the job your family is doing. I am confident Carly will
completely recover. Not a day goes by that I do not think and pray
for all of you.
Love,
- Vicky Skundric
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