At each of the past few CFL shows we’ve played a montage of photos featuring cancer fighters, survivors and victims, usually shown during a live performance of “See Them.” It’s always very emotional singing the words to that song while seeing the faces of those for whom I wrote the song. I always get choked up when I see my mom or dad’s picture come onto the screen. And last year I was especially choked up when I saw the picture of a young boy.

The thought of young children having to fight cancer - and the truly painful thought that some of them don’t survive - is a hard reality to grasp. As young as my dad was when he died (47), he still experienced high school, college, marriage and children. Cancer isn’t fair for anyone that has it - but especially those who have yet to learn how to drive or had their first kiss.

Tonight, a friend of mine e-mailed me information on the 12 Oaks Foundation. The foundation was created in memory of Matt Hupp, a 13-year-old boy who lost his fight with cancer in 2009 - the same boy from the CFL montage. Named in part to honor the number chosen by Matt in the sports he played, the 12 Oaks Foundation aims to provide monetary support to families in need so that their children can know the pleasure and benefits of participating in youth sports and other community activities. It’s a wonderful way to honor their son’s memory and a truly perfect example of “carrying on.”

While their effort isn’t officially part of the Carry On Campaign, nor is it raising money for the ACS, that doesn’t mean that we can’t support it. Any fundraiser done in memory of a loved one is worth championing. And I’m particularly fond of “run-raisers,” too. Everyone can use a good run and it sounds like Matt was a pretty good distance runner. (He ran a 6:17 mile!)

Check out their homepage for more information on the runs and the foundation. If you live in the area, I encourage you to consider participating.