Amy Poore is the eldest daughter of Tony and Sylvia Poore's four daughters. I say is because although she has left this earth, Amy will always live in our hearts. After growing up in Severna Park, Maryland, Amy went on to earn her teaching degree at Loch Haven University in Pennsylvania. Upon graduation from college, Amy began her teaching career in elementary education in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

In the spring of 1998, Amy began having headaches and memory loss. After several months of testing, a CAT scan revealed a tennis ball size Glioblastoma tumor in her brain. Dr. Stephen K. Powers of the Hershey Medical Center performed a flawless surgery but due to the nature of this type of tumor, Dr. Powers could not remove some of the tumor from the optic nerve and brain stem. Amy endured the standard regimen of radiation and chemotherapy well but by January of 1999, the tumor had metastasized to her spine in the form of Medulablastoma tumors, six in all. At this point there was no hope for recovery as four of the tumors were in-operable.

Up to March 1999, Amy remained upbeat but weak and confined to a wheelchair. By the middle of March, Amy was bedridden and in a comatose state. Hospice was called in and on April 8, 1999 Amy quietly succumbed to her disease.

All the details of Amy's illness would fill a book. I can never repay the incredible staff at Hershey Medical Center, the surgical unit, the radiation and chemotherapy professionals as well. Hospice Care is an invaluable service with wonderful clinicians. To all of my huge and generous family, my many friends and neighbors, and above all, Sylvia and our daughters Raegan, Stephanie and Stacey, who had a life experience many years too soon, you were so loving and brave. I thank you deeply.

Amy never shed a tear, pitied her situation or gave up fighting her disease. She is the bravest person I've ever come to know.

So now, having walked the walk and survived the pain of losing a child, it's time to honor the memory of Amy with a foundation in her name, Artists 4 Amy.