From thisstarwontgoout.org
Esther Grace Earl was always a spunky, energetic, creative kid, full of caring for her brothers, and a close companion to her sisters. Known for her blue eyes, dimpled smile, and fly-away blond hair, she loved monkey bars and climbing ropes, rescuing abandoned Saudi cats, skiing the Alps, impromptu photo shoots with her sisters, designing web pages, teaching herself to play the piano and making her family laugh with joy. She amazed us over the years as we watched her learn to read at four, saw her successfully maneuver immersion French in 5th grade, and observed her natural empathy. She loved to read and was an avid Harry Potter fan. Later, she became an online presence where she developed numerous close friendships, uploaded quirky videos, and began a burgeoning involvement in social justice issues. In every way she lived out the values of her namesake, the famous Queen Esther, who was beautiful and full of grace like our "Star."
Esther (Persian for "Star") Grace was born on August 3, 1994 in Beverly, Massachusetts. She was the bridge between two older sisters, Abby and Evangeline, and two younger brothers, Graham and Abraham. In November 2006, Esther was diagnosed with metastasized papillary thyroid cancer in Marseille, France, with extensive tumors already in her lungs. Following a thyroidectomy and seven months of treatment, her family moved back to New England for her continued treatment at Boston Children's Hospital and the Jimmy Fund Clinic. Esther patiently endured radioiodine treatments, x-rays, CT scans and MRI’s, a bi-pap machine, extensive medications, occasional stays in the hospital, and eventually experimental chemotherapy. As Esther's need for supplemental oxygen increased, her mobility decreased. Yet she found new avenues for meaning, investing herself in growing online friendships, creating videos and a cyber presence as "crazycrayon" and "cookie4monster4." She thrilled in her mild escapades into virtual stardom, embracing her self-proclaimed nerdiness as she dispensed advice, all-night talkfests, and free hugs.
On August 25, 2010, much too soon, cancer silenced Esther and stilled her slender fingers. In 16 years she packed a lot of living and loving into her life, and loved well those who surrounded her. Esther didn't let her light stop shining—This Star Won’t Go Out continues to remind us of her love for others.
I'd heard you were supposed to take this book slowly... that it's better read in small doses, as it's so emotionally investing... I ignored this(well founded) advice and finished the book in less than 24 hours. Needless to say, I was pretty much sobbing by the end of it. While the list of movies that have made me cry is endless, the list of books that have done that is pretty short! This is definitely on that list. Regardless, Esther's story is one I know I'll never forget. Some of you may recognize her name from the dedication page in the book The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green. She was a proud Nerdfighter and inspired much of the book. Esther touched my life deeply, and has inspired me in countless ways. If you're looking for an emotional read, this is definitely the place to go.There isn't really much to say about this book, other than the fact that it is absolutely phenomenal. It reminded me very forcefully that the time we have here is short- and we need to spend that time making as much use of that beating heart that God gave us as we can. We need to take every opportunity we have to let those around us know, that we love them, and that our life is better for having them in it. The main thing I got away from this book, was really just love. As I turned the last page, my heart felt much bigger than it did when I started. This story leaves us with two amazing Esther's to look up to: the beautiful, loving, shining example of Esther Grace Earl, and the brave, strong, courageous example of Queen Esther of the Bible, whom our Esther looked up to and admired deeply. This book has definitely left a deep mark on my heart, that I know I'll always have as a reminder to love, to live, and to shine to the best of my abilities. This book really sharpened my perspective on what it means to be living, what it means to love, and what it means to have been loved. Esther Earl has a huge heart, and the life that you read in these is pages is one we could all benefit from looking up to. Also, on August 10th of every year is the unofficial holiday called Esther Day, to celebrate he memory. Don't forget!
All in all, I'd definitely say that everyone should go read this book! 5 out of 5 noodles.
Esther's family members, the Earl family, having been through these hard times themselves, have set up a non profit charity in Esther's memory, called the This Star Won't Go Out Foundation. All proceeds go to financially support families that have a child with cancer, that need help making ends meet. To donate to this charity and learn more about Esther's story, you can go to thisstarwontgoout.org
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