Tammie and Starla Five Years After
I met Tammie Mitchell Tarver in August 2009 the first year I began photographing members of the Mother of a an Angel Friendship Network. Two mothers walked with us to the tree that Tammie planted to honor her daughter. These photos are from the summer afternoon when we met.
Tammie’s daughter ten year old daughter Starla died in 2007. Tammie and Starla spent much of the last few months of Starla’s life at the children’s hospital beyond beyond the bluffs.
Today is the five year anniversary of Starla’s death. I am reminded to be a better parent and person from Tammie. She continues to love and honor her daughter.
I hope this year I will photograph Tammie and her tree again. There has been so much more growth since the first time.
Thank you for remembering and honoring us today!
Hi Mrs.Mitchell,
You may not know me but I was one of Starla’s friends from Eaton Elementary. My name is Noelle Kobayashi and I just wanted to tell you that there is never a day that goes by when I don’t think of Starla <3 Even today I'm still affected by her death, in fact I would like inform you that after highschool I will be studying to major in pediatric oncology and yes it is all because of Starla. She has been a huge impact on my life and even to this day every year on March 27 is the ONLY day I where pink. I restrict myself from wearing pink other thank March 27th. I would also like you to know on May 5th-6th I will be at Kastner Middle School for the Relay for Life event, Relaying for Starla. I have been raising money for cancer survivors and kids with cancer since the start of so far i have over $300. I hope or wish you will soon contact me because I would really appreciate it if you came. If you can't I understand. Thankyou for your time and God bless you.
Noelle,
This is an empowering message. I will send a message to Starla’s mother in a few minutes and she will respond here.
Would you also look at one of my recent posts about a young person who survived cancer. He watched many of his friends die and he has become active in pediatric cancer fundraising and awareness. Perhaps you can connect with him and do something on the West Coast.
Thank you for sharing how Starla continues to affect you. This is meaningful.
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Thank you so much for the comment. Words can not describe how it feels to know Starla’s memory lives on Yes I will be at the Relay for life event which is an honor Thank you again I will give my contact information to Bryan and he will forwsrd to you. Hope to hear from you soon God Bless
Hello you may not remember me my name is Tina
Rodela. I was best friends with your daughter Starla.
In 5th grade we both had Mr Collins and it was fun.
I also remember her birthday. We had it at a dance studio
And we were learning the salsa dance from the cheetah
Girls. I even still have a picture of the two of us and it’s always
Hanging in y room. I hope you and your family is doing well and I would
Like to hear from you guys I always wanted to visit but never know we’re.
I go to Hoover high school and every year we have a cancer game and
Everything is pink and we say who we lost and get a rose. Every year I get one for
Starla because she is still in my heart and I will always have her in my life. I would like you to join us next school year for volleyball if you would like to
Tina,
I just heard from Starla’s mom. I am going to send you a direct message with her phone number.