as reported in the Patriot News

Carly Arlene Mitchell, 5 years old, passed peacefully May 27, 2010 at her home in the arms of her earthly Momma and Dada. She was born November 29, 2004 to Josh and Jamie (Shughart) Mitchell of Gardners.

Carly was a very determined, independent, strong willed child who stole the hearts of many. She had a tremendous spirit of love and generosity. Carly did more in her five years to touch a multitude of people's hearts and to create a kinder, compassionate world, even if it's just our little corner of the world, than most people do in a lifetime. Perhaps we should measure life by how many people you touch, not by years. Looking at it from this perspective, Carly lived a long lifetime.

Carly Mitchell 2004-2010Carly had many joys in life including singing, dancing, riding bikes and scooters, spending time with her older brother, going to the beach, swimming, taking walks, hanging out around the campfire, playing with animals, Disney Princesses and spending time with friends and family. Another one of Carly's true joys in life was going to Ms. Donna's Daycare. She loved being there and playing with her friends. Ms. Donna's and Carly's bond was truly one of a kind. We are blessed that through Carly's determination and Ms. Donna's love for Carly, she was able to continue to go to Ms. Donna's Daycare right up until the week she passed. She wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

February 16, 2009, Carly was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare and inoperable brain tumor that has no cure. She fought a very brave and courageous 15 month battle, and never lost her determination along the way. In the end Carly won the battle, she got to Heaven before us. We will miss her, but she will live in our hearts forever. The gifts of time and treasure, outpouring of love, and comfort showered upon Carly and her family during the past 15 months has been unbelievable. Words will never express the magnitude of these gifts or explain their impact. Carly and her family were blessed beyond measure by the incredible care and support of Dr. Melanie Comito, Amy Tubbs, Penny Schiavoni and many others at Hershey Medical Center; Dr. Katherine Warren, Robyn Bent and many more at The National Institutes of Health; Bill Stephens, Jr. and others at Hospice of Central PA.

In addition to her parents Carly is survived by her older brother, Colby Mitchell, at home; maternal grandparents, Gerry and Cathy Yorlets of Carlisle; paternal grandparents, James and Kathy Enos of Newville; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and great-grandparents. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Rodger Shughart.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers and cards, donations be made in Carly's memory to The Cure Starts Now to help support pediatric brain tumor research. www.thecurestarts now.org.

Theta Chi's Thon Child Passes Away