11 Year Old Brenden Foster Laid To Rest But His Last Wish Lives On

It's hard to believe that in one month exactly since Brenden's story was picked up by the media, he accomplished so much. November 7th was the first time I heard of Brenden when CNN picked up the story from KOMO. If you have not heard his story below are links to all the news reports on him. Brenden was dying of leukemia with not much time left according to the doctors. As his Mom, Wendy, drove back from the doctor's, Brenden saw a homeless camp and said that people should feed them. That was his dying wish. He didn't ask for anything for himself. If you want your faith in humanity restored, read this story and then go to the bottom of this post and read all the others. If you have not found reasons to believe in miracles, you will find one now.

Brenden Foster laid to rest after emotional service
Watch the story
By Matt Markovich
Eleven-year-old Brenden Foster was laid to rest Saturday afternoon, but not before his dying wish to feed the homeless was fulfilled by many residents of Western Washington and around the nation.

SEATTLE - Eleven-year-old Brenden Foster was laid to rest Saturday afternoon, but not before his dying wish to feed the homeless was fulfilled by many residents of Western Washington and around the nation.

Brenden's family and friends gathered at a private ceremony and said good-bye to the young boy who touched so many hearts with his bravery and compassion.


The impact he had during the last few weeks of his life was tremendous.

"If I displayed bravery that this little boy did and the courage, I'll be glad, because this is one brave little man right here," said Jim McMurrow, Brenden's grandfather.

Most people came to know about Brenden's courage and compassion after he told KOMO News reporter Elisa Jaffe about his dying wish to feed the homeless.

That wish sparked volunteers from Seattle and Los Angeles to Ohio and Florida to feed the homeless in Brenden's name. He was too sick to do it himself.

"Brenden was always more interested in helping others and bettering the world than anything he might be going through," his mother, Wendy Foster, wrote in a message to family and friends.

Despite his illness, Brenden wrung every last drop from his life.

click link above for more

11 year old Brenden Foster's dying wish, feed the homeless
Brenden Foster said he wants to be an angel so that he can help the homeless from Heaven. Get ready to cry for this sweet child when you watch this video. He's proof there are angels here on earth already. He's one of them.
There are 76 comments on this post that will warm your heart.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

11 year old angel, Brenden Foster's family needs help


This was left as a comment on my original post.


I am a very close friend of the family and I must say that Brenden is such an inspiration to so many people.My kids and I love him so much and will miss him dearly. I know that Wendy(Brenden's mother) Would never ask of anything from anyone and only hopes that Brenden has inspired people to help others as he has tried to do. I however am asking for help for this family. I see her everyday struggling to make ends meet and they are having a hard time finding funds for his final resting place. There is a benevolence fund that has been set up for Brenden. It is at Washington Mutual bank under the Brenden Foster Cancer Fund.Thank you so much for all your comments. I know that Wendy shares comments to Brenden every night and they are very thankful for all of your support.


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

11 year old Brenden Foster sees his dying wish come true
This is the third post on this little angel. He's only been here for 11 years and has already managed to change this nation and how we look at homeless people. To think this wonderful child could have asked for anything for himself and it would have been given, he asked that we take care of the homeless and feed them. There are angels among us!I was in the site for KOMO looking for an update and discovered this.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

11 year old Brenden Foster: 'I could have done more'"
Brenden Foster: 'I could have done more'

The local boy whose dying wish to feed the homeless inspired thousands across the world has taken a turn for the worse. Brenden Foster is growing weaker. His body is failing, his skin yellowing. His mother is trying to decide on the wording for his grave marker. BOTHELL, Wash. -- The local boy whose dying wish to feed the homeless inspired thousands across the world has taken a turn for the worse. Brenden Foster is growing weaker, but his message is growing stronger. His body is failing, his skin yellowing. His mother is trying to decide on the wording for his grave marker.

November 21, 2008
Angel to homeless, Brenden Foster died in his mom's arms
May the Good Lord comfort Wendy and Brenden's family. This little angel changed the world for the better.
Brenden Foster: 'I had a great time'Brenden Foster, who inspired countless people around the world with his wish to feed the homeless, died early Friday in his mother's arms. He was 11.
By Elisa Jaffe BOTHELL, Wash. -- The day I met Brenden Foster, I met an old soul in an 11 year old's body."I should be gone in a week or so," he said calmly.When I asked him what he thought were the best things in life, Brenden said, "Just having one."I didn't understand how this child, who was a year younger than my own son, could be so courageous facing death."It happens. It's natural," Brenden told me.Three years ago, doctors diagnosed Brenden with leukemia. The boy who once rushed through homework so he could play outside found himself confined to a bed. But there was no confining his spirit.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thankful for Brenden Foster, 11 year old angel opened eyes and hearts

11 year old Brenden Foster's dying wish, feed the homeless
Brenden Foster said he wants to be an angel so that he can help the homeless from Heaven. Get ready to cry for this sweet child when you watch this video. He's proof there are angels here on earth already. He's one of them.This is the first post on this giving thanks day. Brenden Foster was the first wonderful story that came to mind. While some will read this story and think of how this child died at the age of eleven from Leukemia, they need to see how wonderful Brenden was and be thankful for him coming into this world as an earthly angel and for his Mom Wendy who gave him the love he needed so when it came time for his dying wish, he thought of others.



Friday, November 28, 2008

Brenden Foster's last wish for homeless already raised $95,000 in cash plus truck loads of food

Brenden's mom: 'Amazing what he accomplished'
BOTHELL, Wash. -- The truckfuls of food donated in Brenden Foster's honor are now in the hands of the hungry.The beloved boy lived long enough to see his final wish to help the homeless come true. After he died, his mother was able to see what he had accomplished.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Brenden Foster's selfless act empowers cancer patient
When Brenden Foster lived long enough to see the start of his last wish coming true, he had no idea how far this would have gone so fast. Now, he's making a difference for children and a cancer patient who has been earning his own angel wings. Then add in this big hearted man's tumor is now shrinking. Talk about a Christmas miracle~!

Brenden Foster's selfless act empowers cancer patient

When Brenden Foster lived long enough to see the start of his last wish coming true, he had no idea how far this would have gone so fast. Now, he's making a difference for children and a cancer patient who has been earning his own angel wings. Then add in this big hearted man's tumor is now shrinking. Talk about a Christmas miracle~!

Brenden Foster empowers cancer patient
Watch the story
Every year Karr holds a holiday bash for the kids at his farm appropriately named the Farm Ministries. But this year, he considered calling off his annual holiday party for the first time and for good reason. "Nobody knew if I'd still be alive," he said

SNOHOMISH, Wash. -- A beloved angel has come to the aid of hundreds of homeless children who nearly had to skip Christmas this year.

For countless holiday seasons the homeless kids have warmed the heart of youth minister Bruce Karr.

"For the first time in their lives they came to a place that accepted them just the way they were," he said.

Every year Karr holds a holiday bash for the kids at his farm appropriately named the Farm Ministries. But this year, he considered calling off his annual holiday party for the first time and for good reason.

"Nobody knew if I'd still be alive," he said.

A tumor had eaten away at Karr's spine. Chemo wiped out his energy and bank account. Sick and worn by cancer, Karr gave up on the annual celebration, the street kids and his passion.

That is until he heard about Brenden Foster's dying wish to help the homeless.

"I'll never forget that how I thought I was tough compassionate and he made me look so wimpy," he said.

So the Christmas party is back on, but with very little money and time left.

"We've got the stockings covered, dinner covered. I don't think we have enough presents," said Vicki Karr of Farm Ministries.

But the party will go on however it can. Come Sunday hundreds of homeless kids bussed in from three counties will gather for a party.They'll be greeted by hundreds of people in Santa hats, applauding their entry.

"This whole place will be full of children," said Vicki.

The Karrs are hoping for a miracle on 92nd Street.

And things are already looking up. Test results Bruce received on Monday showed his tumor is shrinking.
They're now hoping the party, in turn, will grow before Sunday. To help buy toys for the Farm Ministry, call 425-238-0200.
To help, click on above link and watch the video on KOMO.

Brenden Foster's last wish for homeless already raised $95,000 in cash plus truck loads of food

Brenden's mom: 'Amazing what he accomplished'
Watch the story

BOTHELL, Wash. -- The truckfuls of food donated in Brenden Foster's honor are now in the hands of the hungry.

The beloved boy lived long enough to see his final wish to help the homeless come true. After he died, his mother was able to see what he had accomplished.

Wendy Foster hadn't left home since her son died in her arms last Friday. But this week, she and her family went to Food Lifeline to see what a difference he made just one day before he passed.

Wendy saw boxes stacked to the ceiling marked with her boy's name to be shipped to shelters and food banks.

"This is amazing," Wendy said. "This is the biggest gift. I couldn't ask for a better gift."

And what Wendy saw was only a small part of what was left. A food drive in Brenden's honor collected enough food to fill seven semi-trucks as well as $95,000 in cash donations. And this week, Wendy herself delivered a huge check to Food Lifeline.

"I am very pleased to hand this over to you -- $43,300," she said.

"Oh, my gosh," said Camilla Bishop of Food Lifeline as she accepted the donation.

Wendy herself has needed help feeding her family. Caring for Brenden became her full-time job and wiped out the family's finances.

"We've been very close to being on the streets ourselves," she said.

All memorial services for Brenden Foster will be closed to the public. However, those who wish to send flowers can do so to Evergreen Washelli at 11111 Aurora Avenue North Seattle, WA 98133 on Dec. 6, the day of his funeral. Red roses are said to have been his favorite.

Donations can be made to the Brenden Foster Cancer Fund at any branch of Washington Mutual Bank.
click link for more
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Brenden Foster: 'I had a great time'
Brenden Foster: 'I could have done more'
Dying boy inspires goodwill in people near and far

Thankful for Brenden Foster, 11 year old angel opened eyes and hearts

11 year old Brenden Foster's dying wish, feed the homeless
Brenden Foster said he wants to be an angel so that he can help the homeless from Heaven. Get ready to cry for this sweet child when you watch this video. He's proof there are angels here on earth already. He's one of them.

This is the first post on this giving thanks day. Brenden Foster was the first wonderful story that came to mind. While some will read this story and think of how this child died at the age of eleven from Leukemia, they need to see how wonderful Brenden was and be thankful for him coming into this world as an earthly angel and for his Mom Wendy who gave him the love he needed so when it came time for his dying wish, he thought of others.

Brenden managed to care about people we so often find it so easy to avoid. The homeless people he saw, were not people to turn away from. They were people to turn to help. His unselfishness was a lesson to people around the world. This first post on Brenden brought in the most hits out of almost 5,000 posts on this blog. It received as of this posting 75 comments. Truly beautiful postings from people touched by his compassion.

Of all the stories I've posted on this year, Brenden's is was the most rewarding spiritually. Many conversations I've had over the years have come from people who see the world and what God has not done, children dying and suffering as innocents, crimes and acts of pure greed. I will remind them that those are the reason good people were created. They we sent into this world to offer kindness, mercy, gentleness and compassion. God cannot overrule freewill by His own rules but what He did was send into this world others who can show the love God has. How can anyone read about Brenden's story and not find love there? How can anyone read what his gesture changed for the forgotten and not see miracles?

Read the rest of the posts on Brenden but then click back on the link to this first post and read some of the comments there. They will help you to believe in miracles again.

11 year old Brenden Foster sees his dying wish come true
This is the third post on this little angel. He's only been here for 11 years and has already managed to change this nation and how we look at homeless people. To think this wonderful child could have asked for anything for himself and it would have been given, he asked that we take care of the homeless and feed them. There are angels among us!I was in the site for KOMO looking for an update and discovered this.Go to the Problem Solvers donation page and select "Brenden Foster Food Drive" from the donation options list.

Dying boy inspires goodwill in people near and farWatch the story By KOMO StaffWatch the story BOTHELL, Wash. -- An 11-year-old boy's dying wish to feed the homeless has taken on a life of its own, sparking a movement to help the hungry nationwide. Doctors gave Brenden Foster two weeks to live. His time was up last Wednesday. "I should be gone in a week or so," he said last Friday. On Monday, groggy and medicated, Brenden was having a rough day. "Tired," he said, visibly weak. "(You) need some more medicine," said his mother, Wendy Foster, stroking his head. Leukemia halted the young life of Brenden, who once dreamed of becoming a marine photographer. Brenden has relapsed for the last time.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

11 year old Brenden Foster: 'I could have done more'"
Brenden Foster: 'I could have done more' Watch the story The local boy whose dying wish to feed the homeless inspired thousands across the world has taken a turn for the worse. Brenden Foster is growing weaker. His body is failing, his skin yellowing. His mother is trying to decide on the wording for his grave marker. BOTHELL, Wash. -- The local boy whose dying wish to feed the homeless inspired thousands across the world has taken a turn for the worse. Brenden Foster is growing weaker, but his message is growing stronger. His body is failing, his skin yellowing. His mother is trying to decide on the wording for his grave marker. "B-Man is his nickname, or Mr. B. But most people call him B-Man," said Wendy Foster. The end is near, and Brenden has one question for God. "Why at so young an age? I could have done more. But if it has to be now, it has to be now," he said.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Angel to homeless, Brenden Foster died in his mom's arms
May the Good Lord comfort Wendy and Brenden's family. This little angel changed the world for the better.Brenden Foster: 'I had a great time'Brenden Foster, who inspired countless people around the world with his wish to feed the homeless, died early Friday in his mother's arms. He was 11. Read more »By Elisa Jaffe BOTHELL, Wash. -- The day I met Brenden Foster, I met an old soul in an 11 year old's body."I should be gone in a week or so," he said calmly.When I asked him what he thought were the best things in life, Brenden said, "Just having one."I didn't understand how this child, who was a year younger than my own son, could be so courageous facing death."It happens. It's natural," Brenden told me.

Angel to homeless, Brenden Foster died in his mom's arms

May the Good Lord comfort Wendy and Brenden's family. This little angel changed the world for the better.
Brenden Foster: 'I had a great time'
Brenden Foster, who inspired countless people around the world with his wish to feed the homeless, died early Friday in his mother's arms. He was 11. Read more »
By Elisa Jaffe BOTHELL, Wash. -- The day I met Brenden Foster, I met an old soul in an 11 year old's body.

"I should be gone in a week or so," he said calmly.

When I asked him what he thought were the best things in life, Brenden said, "Just having one."

I didn't understand how this child, who was a year younger than my own son, could be so courageous facing death.

"It happens. It's natural," Brenden told me.

Three years ago, doctors diagnosed Brenden with leukemia. The boy who once rushed through homework so he could play outside found himself confined to a bed. But there was no confining his spirit.

"I had a great time. And until my time comes, I'm going to keep having a great time," he said.

Brenden's selfless dying wish was to help the homeless.

"They're probably starving, so give'em a chance," he said, "food and water."

But Brenden was too ill to feed them on his own. So volunteers from Emerald City Lights Bike Ride passed out some 200 sandwiches to the homeless in Seattle.

Then Brenden's last wish took on a life of its own.

A TV station in Los Angeles held a food drive. School kids in Ohio collected cans. People in Pensacola, Florida gathered goods.

And here in Western Washington, KOMO viewers from all over took part in the Stuff the Truck food drive in Brenden's honor. Hundreds with generous hearts donated six and a half huge truck loads of groceries and more than $60,000 in cash to benefit Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline.

Brenden touched hearts all over the world. His wish came true, and he lived to see it.
"He had the joy of seeing all of the beautiful response to his last wish," said his grandmother, Patricia McMorrow. "It gives him great peace and he knows that his life has meaning."

"He's left a legacy and he's only 11," said his mother, Wendy Foster. "He's done more than most people dream of doing just by making a wish."


click link for more
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Hundreds help grant Brenden Foster's wish
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Boy shares heartbreaking last wish
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11 year old Brenden Foster: 'I could have done more'"

Brenden Foster: 'I could have done more'
Watch the story
The local boy whose dying wish to feed the homeless inspired thousands across the world has taken a turn for the worse. Brenden Foster is growing weaker. His body is failing, his skin yellowing. His mother is trying to decide on the wording for his grave marker.

BOTHELL, Wash. -- The local boy whose dying wish to feed the homeless inspired thousands across the world has taken a turn for the worse.

Brenden Foster is growing weaker, but his message is growing stronger.

His body is failing, his skin yellowing. His mother is trying to decide on the wording for his grave marker.

"B-Man is his nickname, or Mr. B. But most people call him B-Man," said Wendy Foster.

The end is near, and Brenden has one question for God.

"Why at so young an age? I could have done more. But if it has to be now, it has to be now," he said.

It's easy to imagine all he could have accomplished after seeing what the 11 year old has achieved in his final days. Brenden's dying wish to help the homeless has touched hearts from Saudi Arabia to South Carolina. Many of them left voice messages for their new hero.

"We saw you on television and love you with all of our hearts and we're praying for you," said Gayle Cleveland.

"(I'm) 59 years old and it brings tears to my eyes every time I see him -- someone with that initiative that wants to help the homeless," said Danny Billingsly.

"We collected over 20,000 cans of food and donated it to a local food bank in your honor," said a woman named Nina.

A Vietnam vet from Kentucky who lost his leg in the war wants me to give Brenden his Purple Heart for bravery.

"This is for you, little angel," said Jim Jones. "A bunch of guardian angels here and a bunch of guardian angels are waiting for you in heaven."

Brenden's message inspired Daniel Chairez, a 12-year-old boy in California who is also battling leukemia.

"He really inspired me because he's not afraid. And he wants to help people and he's not selfish," he said.

How you can help

In Brenden's honor, KOMO News will be holding a food drive for Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline. You can drop off food on Thursday, November 20th at Fred Meyer stores in Issaquah (6100 E Lake Sammamish Parkway SE), Federal Way (33702 21st Avenue SW) or Brenden's hometown of Bothell (21045 Bothell-Everett Hwy).

If you can't make it in person, you can donate online by going to the Problem Solvers donation page and select "Brenden Foster Food Drive" from the donation options list.

Donations to the family can be made to the "Brenden Foster Cancer Fund" at any Washington Mutual bank branch.
click the link for more

11 year old angel, Brenden Foster's family needs help

This was left as a comment on my original post.

I am a very close friend of the family and I must say that Brenden is such an inspiration to so many people.My kids and I love him so much and will miss him dearly. I know that Wendy(Brenden's mother) Would never ask of anything from anyone and only hopes that Brenden has inspired people to help others as he has tried to do. I however am asking for help for this family. I see her everyday struggling to make ends meet and they are having a hard time finding funds for his final resting place. There is a benevolence fund that has been set up for Brenden. It is at Washington Mutual bank under the Brenden Foster Cancer Fund.Thank you so much for all your comments. I know that Wendy shares comments to Brenden every night and they are very thankful for all of your support.

I called the news station to see if they had the address for the bank to make donations. I was told they have a Problem Solvers Fund and will get the money directly to the family. Until I have better information, here it is.

Problem Solvers At KOMO TV
Brenden Foster Fund
140 Fourth Ave. North, Suite 370,
Seattle, WA 98109

Here is the link to the original post.
http://woundedtimes.blogspot.com/2008/11/11-year-old-brenden-fosters-dying-wish.html

11 year old Brenden Foster's dying wish, feed the homeless

Brenden Foster said he wants to be an angel so that he can help the homeless from Heaven. Get ready to cry for this sweet child when you watch this video. He's proof there are angels here on earth already. He's one of them.

Last wish: Feed homeless 2:18
Feeding the homeless is a Washington state 11-year-old's last wish. KOMO has the story.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/11/09/jaffey.wa.last.wish.komo
Boy shares heartbreaking last wish

LYNNWOOD, Wash. -- Doctors gave 11-year-old Brenden Foster two weeks to live.

Those two weeks were up on Wednesday. On Friday, he shared his last wish.

Not yet a teenager, Brenden's time to die has come.

"I should be gone in a week or so," he said.

Brenden was the kid who ran the fastest, climbed the highest and dreamed of becoming a marine photographer. Leukemia took away all those things, but not his dying wish to help others.

"He's always thought about others. Never complained about having to go through this, ever," said his mother, Wendy Foster.

When Brenden was first diagnosed with leukemia, he and his mom began a new tradition. Every night they list three positive things that happened during the day, and they have to share a laugh. A chuckle will do, Brenden said, but a fake laugh will never do.

In the last days of his life, it was a homeless camp, namely Nickelsville, that captured the boy's heart.

"I was coming back from one of my clinic appoints and I saw this big thing of homeless people, and then I thought I should just get them something," he said.

Brenden is too ill to leave his bed and feed the homeless. He walked into an emergency room last December and hasn't walked since.
go here for more
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/34127439.html