Carson Elizabeth Head, age 9, went on to Heaven to have her tea party with Jesus on Friday, June 26, 2015. She passed away at her home; surrounded by her family, after a long courageous battle with osteosarcoma. Carson was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 7, 2014, the day before her 8th birthday. In her true princess warrior spirit, Carson fought up until the very end.
Carson's life would seem way to short to many, but those whom she touched understood that the quality of existence far exceeded the quantity of time she lived. Her huge smile and her quick and spunky wit could bring a smile or laugh to all those around her. Although her cancer made her slow down and at times become reserved, Carson would always be able to eventually touch the hearts of all she came into contact with. She possessed more courage, strength, and perseverance than any adult around, and had an ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. She loved spending hours doing arts and crafts or beating anyone who dared to play her in a game of Uno. She spent hours playing with her puppy, Princess, who she dearly loved and she was always up for a good family Nerf gun battle. Carson could be found picking flowers and climbing trees because of her love of the outdoors. She spent many enjoyable trips with her family tent camping and many hours watching the birds and butterflies in her own backyard.
With Carson's passing we remind others that her life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss her everyday, especially her big blue eyes and her bouncy blonde curls, she will forever remain etched in our hearts. Through Carson's journey may we forever be reminded that God has us all zipped up tightly in His tent and never to take even one day for granted with our precious children. Carson has taught us so much about life and we consider it a privilege that God chose us to be her parents.
Carson leaves behind many wonderful caregivers that provided not just medical care, but love and support for her 15 months while at St. Jude. Carson's love, along with her family, extends to her beloved Dr. Pappo, because of his continual dedication, love and support and because he never tired in looking for a cure for Carson. Carson's love extends to her wonderful nurses: Patti, Judy, Julie, Amanda, John, Katrina and Mary and to our surgeons Dr. Israel and Dr. Neel who stood by us until the end. All her special caregivers at St. Jude will dearly miss her. All of these very special people, too numerous to mention, provided Carson with love and dignity in her life and also in death.
Carson was born on March 8, 2006 in Memphis, Tennessee to parents Michael and Paula Head. Carson is survived by her parents, Michael and Paula; her sister Chandler; her brother Cameron; her paternal grandparents, Paul and Linda Head of Sikeston, Missouri; and her maternal grandparents, Paul and Mary Douglas of Dexter, Missouri.