Meet Carter

As some of you may know, Greg is 37 yrs of age and has been fighting cancer since April 2005. Since then he has undergone surgeries, therapies, procedures, and medications….everything medicine and science has to offer. But that is not the real story. Over these past 3 1/2 years Greg has displayed extraordinary courage, perseverance, and patience; a depth of character that might never have been revealed. He has taught us all how to live life to the fullest and has taught Deni and I a lot about strength.  Unfortunately we were saddened to learn that Greg lost his battle with Cancer this past Monday. Although we were not extremely close with Greg, we didn’t need to be, everytime we hung out with him his humor, kindness and wonderful “Alto” personality made it a true joy to be around and it felt like you knew him forever. He was a hell of an athlete and I will always remember the time we were playing basketball and it was the first time I met Greg. I went to grab a rebound and then…”Boom!”… all of sudden this guy came flyin in and dunked the ball right over me… I was like dam that white boy can jump!

We would like to offer our condolences to the Altomari family, your strength and courage through this battle should not go unnoticed and I would like to share a letter that his Dad wrote to him shortly after one his many surgeries, reading this letter brought me to tears, but it also made me think of my little warrior as well…

8/16/06
Dear Greg:

You are the embodiment of Valor!

Valor…..a word not commonly used. The dictionary instructs us that it comes from the French; to be strong, specifically of mind and spirit. Valor evokes images of gallantry and heroism…..but usually in the context of myths and legends, knights and dragons, angels and demons.

Why is it that certain words disappear from our modern lexicon? Why is a word like valor seldom used to describe people of exemplary courage? What is the true measure of valor?

I have no need to look far from my immediate field of vision. For the past eighteen months The Embodiment of Valor has continually been in my thoughts and prayers, if not in my very home. He’s been in hospital beds, treatment centers, and infusion chairs. He’s been in physical and emotional pain, he’s endured the loss of bodily functions, and suffered indignities and humiliation to his very humanity. And he’s too often been alone.

The valiant are inclined to face their demons alone. For to be strong of mind and spirit is to be self-reliant. The Embodiment of Valor embraces his self reliance as a blessing…..but it’s also a curse. It’s a blessing when his self-reliance steadies those who love him against the fear; but a curse when it causes him to steel himself so tightly that only an explosion from the pressure within allows us to get close.

He is the product of genes and parenting; both well intended but imperfect. Parents are like sculptors spending immeasurable time shaping and honing their offspring only to watch the heat and pressure of the kiln of the world sign their names to his completion. Gazing upon the finished work, the artist alone has the right to second guess.

Did we fail to properly equip him for this horrific challenge? Were we too late in teaching that strength from above is superior to strength from within? If only The Embodiment of Valor would allow for the possibility
of The Devine. The dealer of life’s cards doesn’t stack the deck against anyone but He does give us strength and insight to help us play those we’re dealt.

For the valiant it’s not the dread of the knockdown that matters but the triumph of getting up. For the valiant it’s not the suffering of the setback that’s important but the exhilaration of the comeback. Those who are the true measure of valor are not found in Fortune 500 Penthouses, on the sports pages, or on Hollywood stages. They are in our communities, on our blocks, in our families.

My Embodiment of Valor is just such a person. He is my son, and of him I am very proud.

I love you…..you inspire me every day.

Dad

If you would like to visit Greg’s caringbridge web site and make a donation in his honor please vist http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewHome.do

I want to apologize to all those that have tried to put comments up on MeetCarter.org. Unfortunately the site has been attacked by spammers who have inundated the comments section with worthless comments, so I had to turn off the automatic comment posting functionality.  I hope to find a solution to this soon.

If you would like to contact us feel free to contact us through our emails:  Trent - trentb55@gmail.com   Deni- deni.brotherton55@gmail.com

In the meantime, please enjoy this really cool video of Carter:

Here are some new photos of Carter over the past month…

We have been asked to share our story on the upcoming “36 Hours For Kids” Radiothon this coming Feb. 12th @ 2pm.   If you are from Denver you might know that Alice hosts a live 36 Hour telethon to raise money for The Childrens Hospital. This fabulous event is broadcast live from 6am-6pm for three straight days and they use the time to share incredible stories of hope and miracles that take place there. This radiothon as become instrumental in raising awareness and funds for Children’s and we are so excited to help in this cause. Please visit Alice’s web site for more information and if you don’t live in town you can listen live from their web site.  Go To: www.alice1059.com to learn more.