 His legacy |
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Brochure Insert
Brochure Insert for Organ Donation
Brochure reads:
Braeden was a happy, energetic, fun-loving boy who loved to do all the things little boys do; play in the sand, splash in the pool, jump and bounce on his trampoline. He had a love for music and art, and loved to sing and play with his most favorite toy, his piano, or finger paint pictures for his family. He also loved the outdoors, going to the park, riding his bike or his sled, and playing with his dog. He was quick to smile and giggle, and brightened our home and our hearts with his love, his hugs, and his joy.
Braeden was almost 3 when he died of complications resulting from surgery. Of all the decisions we had to make that day, the easiest was to donate his organs. Brae was too young to tell us his wishes, but we knew in our hearts that was what he would have wanted. We find peace in knowing part of him lives in the body of his recipient, and he made such a difference in not only her life, but in the lives of her family and friends as well.
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From the LaCrosse Tribune 2/11/08
Larry Olson: Braeden's organ donation is an unending valentine
By Larry Olson / La Crosse Tribune
Each day is Valentine’s Day for Braeden Lee Mahlke’s parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and anyone else who was fortunate to know Braeden. He passed away in May 2006, just shy of his third birthday. He lives on in their hearts … always will.
This “lovely little boy” was amazing, said Susan Fossen, services coordinator of the Birth to 3 program at Family Resources in La Crosse, where Braeden received help. “Because of Braeden there is someone healthy and walking around today,” Fossen shared. Braeden became an organ donor.
Braeden’s legacy is an example that Valentine’s Day can — and perhaps should — be more than Be My Valentine cards, chocolates, a bouquet of roses, jewelry, a meal out.
Through Braeden, lives are being touched in many ways aside from the donation of his kidneys. At Family Resources, there’s an area designated as Braeden’s Library, a loving memorial established by his parents shortly after his death.
The library shares books, toys and equipment that focus on parenting of special-needs children. Braeden had feeding issues, so there are books that address this problem. Many others teach about challenges facing families whose children have diabetes, autism, Down syndrome, etc. There are musical toys, reflecting Braeden’s love of music. He had many musical toys, said his parents, Ed and Mindy Mahlke of Onalaska, Wis.
Donations to fund the library have come from Braeden’s parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and others struck by Braeden’s charm and zest for life. They remember Braeden’s birthday (June 6) and also contribute during holidays in his name.
Mindy and Ed speak at conferences on the importance of becoming an organ donor. “It is important to make your wishes known,” Mindy said. Donor information can be found at www.organdonor.gov. One way to specify the “Gift of Life” is on your driver’s license.
For the Mahlkes, Braeden’s donation was “a way to honor our son. It is a way for him to touch people’s lives.” Mindy knows the importance of becoming a donor. She was 6 when her aunt, a donor, lost her life in an auto accident. “When our doctor asked if Braeden would be a donor, there was no hesitation for us,” she said.
Braeden had acid reflux. “There were complications with surgery, and he didn’t make it,” Mindy offered. Because of development delays, Braeden was being tested for autism.
From a short life came an abundance of cherished memories. Braeden’s parents will always remember his love for music, especially his enthusiastic singing as he played with his toy piano. “He loved to dance and bounce around and chase the dog, and he loved the outdoors and playing in the sand and snow … bouncing on his miniature trampoline. He was filled with energy. We carry him with us in our hearts always."
Braeden’s grandparents share their memories:
Becky Hatke of La Crosse: “He was always smiling, no matter what he had to face. Nothing bothered him. His muscles weren’t strong enough to walk alone. When he got braces on his legs he was up and all over the place. He loved life and is the love of my life. I will never forget him.”
Dave Branson of Schofield,Wis.: “He was my first grandchild, and he is so special. I enjoyed being with him, holding him, playing with him. He had a short life span, but he is touching a lot of lives.” After a tearful moment, Dave added: “I am glad he is helping others and is being remembered. I miss him. I can’t believe he’s gone.“
Fred and Jan Mahlke of La Crescent, Minn.: “Braeden struggled from the day he was born. He was a fighter and is our brave little soldier. He had the prettiest smile and was very, very special. We miss him very much.“
Braeden’s great-grandparents, Phyllis Branson and Betty Hatke of La Crosse, add:
Phyllis: “Braeden loved his musical toys. Anytime anything made noise … well, he really enjoyed this. He was my first great-grandchild, and he will remain very special.“
Betty: “I loved Braeden so much that I can’t talk about him without crying. He loved to be on the kitchen floor playing piano … he would play it with his feet. It was really something to watch. I have the blanket that belonged to him, and I have it on my bed every night.”
According to Family Resources’ Fossen, in loaning items from Braeden’s library of books, toys and special equipment there is no “due date” for return because it isn’t known how long a child or family will benefit from their use.
If you’d like to think beyond the chocolates, flowers, jewelry, a meal out and Be My Valentine cards this Valentine’s Day, log on to www.braeden-mahlke.memory-of.com.
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Braeden's Library
...from the Autumn 2006 edition of Building Blocks
(Family Resources' newsletter)
Braeden's Library- A Loving Memorial
Family Resources is dedicating a new section of our Lending Library to families who have children with special needs. This library is set up in memory of a beautiful child, Braeden Mahlke.
Braeden was a happy and content little boy, who made all those around him smile. He loved all things musical and enjoyed being outside. He lived with his wonderful parents, Mindy and Ed, and his dog, Jasper. Braeden packed a lot of living into his 35 months of life, and he touched so very many hearts in the process.
The library is funded by Ed and Mindy, friends, and family of Braeden. Included in Braeden's Library are books on parenting children with special needs and toys that are designed to encourage and enhance development in all children.
We will continue to accept donations to keep this library updated in Braeden's memory. Contributions can be sent to: Family Resources, Attention: Braeden's Library, 1500 Green Bay Street, LaCrosse, Wisconsin 54601. If you would like to learn more about Braeden, you may visit his memorial website online at www.braeden-mahlke.memory-of.com
In Memory of Braeden Lee Mahlke
June 6, 2003- May 19, 2006
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Brae's Gift of Life Metal
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Close-up from Braeden's Library
The poem reads:
Who Has Seen The Wind?
Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you;
But when the leaves hang trembling
The wind is passing thro'.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I;
But when the trees bow down their heads
The wind is passing by.
By Christina Rossetti
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Braeden's Library, October 2006
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Brae's brick
Brae's brick in Riverside Park, part of the "A Simpler Time"
sculpture project.
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National Donor Quilt Square
Braeden donated his kidneys when he passed away. Above is a picture of his square for the National Donor Quilt, and below is the story that will go along with it.
Braeden Lee Mahlke
June 6, 2003- May 19, 2006
Braeden was a happy, content 2 year old who enjoyed life to the fullest. He is pictured here jumping on his trampoline, one of his favorite things to do. He loved music and singing, creating works of art with finger paints or markers, playing with toys, bath time, and his dog. We included charms and buttons on his patch to represent those things. Even though we miss him more than words can ever express, it is comforting to know a part of him is living on through someone else.
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Local Donor Quilt Square
This is a picture of the square that will be added to the Local Donor Quilt, and the story that will go along with it. The story will be displayed in a memory book along with a picture of Braeden.
Braeden Lee Mahlke
June 6, 2003- May 19, 2006
Braeden was a happy and content two year old who loved music and singing, playing with his toys, and creating works of art with finger paints, crayons, or markers. He also loved his dog, playing in water or in the snow, and his sand box.. He is pictured here jumping on his trampoline, which was one of his favorite things to do. We used penguin material for the background because Brae enjoyed penguins, and had a favorite video of them. We used buttons on the patch to represent his love of music, toys, and art.
Braeden spread joy wherever he went, leaving a trail of happy songs and music as he went along. He had a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh. He had a love of the outdoors and of going on long walks and to the park. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. We know he would be happy he was able to help another person by donating his kidneys.
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In Memory of Braeden Lee Mahlke, by Shayna M. Dais
The Lord stretched out his hand and said,
"Please come walk with me."
Sweet little Braeden didn’t ask why,
instead he said, "What will I see?"
The Lord replied,
"It’s hard to describe, mere words can not compare."
"Please don’t be afraid my little one,
I’ll keep you in my care."
Little Braeden didn’t know what to think,
and decided to take the Lord’s hand.
He lead him to the gates of heaven
and assured him he’d always be safe.
He said to Braeden, "Do not be sad,
for this is a wondrous place.
You will always feel love and joy and peace,
no pain or suffering here.
I need you to stay close by my side,
my sweet little Braeden dear."
"For you will be my special angel,
looking down upon those you love.
Trying to help them understand
why you are now above."
Braeden asked the man in white
why Mommy and Daddy didn’t come.
The Lord replied in a gentle voice,
"Some things can not be explained."
Little Braeden smiled the big smile he smiles and said, "Lord, I don’t understand."
The Lord replied, "I know my child,
please know it will be all right."
Braeden looked up and took His hand,
and held on very tight.
The Lord and Little Braeden went for a walk...
They walked to heaven that night.
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Braeden's obituary
Braeden L. Mahlke
Onalaska, Wis. — Braeden L. Mahlke, 2, of Onalaska died Friday, May 19, 2006, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.
He was born on June 6, 2003, in La Crosse to Edward and Mindy (Branson) Mahlke. Braeden loved playing with his musical toys and his dog “Jasper.”
He is survived by his parents of Onalaska; his maternal grandparents, Becky Hatke of Onalaska, and David (Dory) Branson of Schofield, Wis.; paternal grandparents, Jan and Fred Mahlke of La Crescent, Minn.; great-grandmothers, Phylis Branson and Betty Hatke, both of La Crosse; and his Godparents, Steve Mahlke of La Crescent and Sheri Hatke of Onalaska. Many aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Helen Mahlke.
Funeral services for Braeden will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St., La Crosse. Pastor Ted Dewald will officiate.
Friends may call at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse, on Monday, May 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. and again at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
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Letter to the Editor, by Great-Grandma Branson
Miracle Network shows kindness
By PHYLLIS BRANSON | La Crosse
My mailbox frequently has solicitations for donations to various organizations. I have enough address labels to last a lifetime, note cards and useless greeting cards. Then there are those that offer a stuffed animal, jackets, etc. for the donation, leaving one to question how much actually goes to the cause. New pleas similar to one contributed to telling me my name was sold to another organization.
I would, however, like to thank and sing the praises of the local Children’s Miracle Network for the kindness shown the parents and extended family of my great-grandson, Braeden Mahlke. Whenever Braeden was hospitalized, the Children’s Miracle Network provided meal vouchers to the parents.
And, after a stressful day and night May 18, they gave meal vouchers to all extended family members waiting, hoping and praying for this little boy. Later, on May 19, while we waited to hold Braeden for one last time after the organ donation, sandwiches, cookies and beverages were brought to us.
This is the result of the wonderful volunteers who give many hours to raise funds for the services provided by the Children’s Miracle Network, those who contribute so generously and the caring staff that oversees how the funds are used.
I encourage people to donate to this worthy cause where all the monies raised provide wonderful, caring services in the local community. Braeden’s family truly appreciated the benefits provided by the Children’s Miracle Network
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