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Award-winning columnist Tom Archdeacon — an old-school storyteller in a brand-new venue — writes about sports, the city, southwest Ohio and anything else that catches his fancy… or yours.Home > Blogs > Through the Arch > Archives > 2009 > July > 04 > Entry
Blake LaForce, Vandalia Butler football star, dies at 18
Blake LaForce — the 18-year-old former Vandalia High football star and state power lifting champion who rallied a town, a school and tens of thousands of other people as he fought his way through a herculean medical battle the past 19 months — has died.
Surrounded by his family, he passed away around 2 p.m. Friday afternoon, July 3, at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
“It was time,” Mark LaForce, his dad said Saturday afternoon. “I kissed him on his lips one last time, told him how much we all loved him and how proud we were of him and he went to meet his Creator.”
Initially diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblast Leukemia (ALL) in November of 2007, Blake underwent a successful born marrow/stem cell transplant in May of 2008 and seemed on the road to recovery last summer.
But in mid-August, he developed toxoplasmosis, a devastating infection in the central nervous system, that, as Mark put it, “shut down all his motor skills. All of a sudden he could no longer walk, talk, eat or drink. It’s been that way since.”
Even so, Blake had been slowly working his way back from that when, this past March 26, he had a pulmonary hemorrhage — bleeding lungs — and had been in the intensive care unit since then as he dealt with a series of medical issues. The latest was a severe problem with his ever-fragile skin.
Mark — who has written a daily journal about his son since the ordeal began (www.CaringBridge.org/visit/blakelaforce/journal) — described it in his July 2 entry:
“The skin is our largest organ and this is the major issue we have now. It happened upon him rapidly this week. Blake’s skin is almost like a burn victim’s skin now, so the risk of infection increases. It is another one of God’s miracles because Blake is actually very stable and not even on any pain medications, which is unbelievable. There are what seems an endless number of hurdles on Blake’s journey and we are in awe of his stamina, true grit and resolve….”
After Blake’s death Friday, Mark wrote: “The LaForce family is at peace and and rejoicing the fact that our strong son has a new everlasting life in a much better place.
“No more suffering, sorrow and pain.”
He then singled out TEAM BLAKE, the family members, friends Butler classmates and strangers who had taken up Blake’s’ cause over the past year and a half:
“We do not know how to thank you. Stay the course Blake started for us because he was a good servant and is (still) making a difference.”
To his son, he wrote:
“Dearest Blake, Mission Accomplished, Son. We will see you again and you are with us every minute of every day. Your smile and personality is etched in our minds forever. You are the ‘man’ in this family and have showed all of us the way. We love you so very much now and forever.”
Exact details are pending, but Mark said the visitation will be late Tuesday afternoon and early that evening July 7. On Wednesday morning there will be a celebration of life service at the Christian Life Center, 3489 Little York Road. The telephone there is: (937) 898-8811.
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Comments
By Aaron Jewett
August 13, 2009 4:08 AM | Link to this
keep smiling down looking on all of us your one of the best and hardest working football players i knew now you play for gods teamBy Melissa Craighton
July 8, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this
As a BMT family alongside the LaForce’s at CCHMC we feel that they too will have a happy ending-they just haven’t seen it yet. We rejoice in the wonderful person and fighter Blake was. He and his family are an inspiration to all of us. The Craightons, Kyle, Melissa, Reece, and MasonBy The Nabors
July 7, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
I remember watching Blake play with other siblings, when Mark coached, John & Troy practiced and played Pee Wee football for years. He was so cute. I used to call him Little LaForce. How things change. When he was growing up, whenever I saw him, he always had a smile on his face. Mark, the journal you wrote will be cherished forever. God be with you all, Cliff, Laura, Troy and Chad NaborsBy Jim Thorpe
July 7, 2009 8:07 AM | Link to this
To Mark, Linda, Lauren, and “The Bull” John…Having moved fron Vandalia learning of Blake’s illness, battle, and ultimate passing shocked and saddened me deeply. Your strength and faith are absolutely awe inspiring, and my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you…Blake can now enjoy the company of “Our Father” and all the friends, family, and acquaintences who have passed before him…he watches over us all…and the adventure continues. God bless you all. J.T.By Sarah
July 6, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this
My prayers are with Blake and his family. I did not know Blake all that well but what i did know is that he was so fun and always had a smile on his face. His struggle has taught me so much about life. While we were all graduating he was fighting the biggest battle of his life. He has shown me how lucky i am to have a happy and healthy beautiful daughter. After everything he has been through he has made a big impact on my life. I just wanted to say thank you.By Diana Stapleton
July 6, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
Dear LaForce family, We are so sorry for your loss of such a bright Light of a son . We have an 18 year old son who is our youngest and I can”t imagine The pain of losing him.We are so happy and rejoice in the end of of Blake’s suffering and imagine him playing football with the other kids in heaven. Thanks for sharing your journey with us through Caringbridge, I know that we all learned so much from Blake’s courage and from the love and compassion of your entire family Love in Christ, the Stapleton familyBy Jeff
July 6, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this
Blake and the Laforce family are an inspiration for us all. I have met the family and Blake and let me tell you that they are the epitomy of strength and faith. My prayers are with you and find rejoice that Blake is looking down upon us always. In Mourning we find our true hearts and sing our true prayers. May god be with youBy Stacey Winter
July 5, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this
You won the ultimate championship with your closest cheerleaders cheering you on. God BlessBy Michelle Eckes
July 5, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this
My husband and I came back from vacation early to attend service on Sunday only to find out that CLC lost Blake on Friday. I did not know him or the family, but had been praying for him all the while in hopes of nothing less than a miracle. I was overwhelemed with grief for the family and could not hold back the tears during service. I am so sorry for the loss of your son…but celebrate his life and the end of his physical pain. Thank you for sharing his life with your CLC family. Know that you are not alone and that your CLC family wraps their arms around you in love. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Gal 6:2). You are not alone.By Kristyn
July 5, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this
If you have ever asked the question, “Where is God in the tragic pain of life?”, I hope you will be encouraged by the life of Blake LaForce. Despite disappointment and great challenge, Blake shined with an unshakable faith for Jesus Christ. His courageous family continues to exude a unique gratitude and joy- even from deep loss. Mark, Linda, Lauren, John and the rest of Blake’s family, bless you with the Grace and Peace of Jesus that Blake is walking in today. Know that his journey continues as you share your story and as you continue your own walk of faith. Blessed are you to have walked with this boy, whose faith touched thousands. May the comfort of Heaven rest with you as you grieve.By Caroline Breslin
July 5, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this
We met Blake and his parents when Blake played hockey for the Gems. He played with my son Joey Breslin. We read the article about his battle with luekemia over a year ago, I believe we read it in the car on the way to a hockey game. Joey liked having Blake on the team, he was always a lot of fun, and he came from a great family. Then we saw the article in the paper on Father’s Day, and when I logged on his website on the 4th of July, I saw that he passed. What a temendous life he had, so much support from all his family and friends! His memory will live on.By kurt v
July 5, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this
“everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt…”By HMD
July 5, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
Blake is truly an unstopable force. He taught us all a lesson in how to be strong. I went to school with his older brother and my sister graduated with Blake this year. Seeing them honor his fight was amazing. He taught the senior class much more then they could have ever expected. They will forever remember their strong and ever fighting friend. May he rest in peace.By EA
July 5, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this
It is hard to come to terms with the death of a friend. I have known blake since we were little kids playing with all the other neighborhood kids. However we didn’t stay close as we grew up, I’ll miss him dearly, but I know he is in a better place. God bless his strength. He was so incredibly strong. My prayers are with the La Force family.By Maurine Gardner
July 5, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
Reading the updates over the past year, you have watched over your son night and day. Now he can watch over you. My prayers are with all of you.By BLT
July 5, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this
Ever time I read a caring Bridge entry I was extremely touched by Mark’s Courageous and uplifting words. It definitely makes you think to live your day like it would be you last. Blake you have touched so many in your amazing journey especially myself. My thoughts and prayers go out to my dear friend Lauren and her whole awesome family. I love you guys!!…God you have an extremely strong guy in heaven and you are lucky to have him on your team now…Forever 41 !!!!By TC
July 5, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this
I don’t know the LaForce family but my mother has ALL and I am extremely passionate about other ALL “fighters”. Reading about Blake touched my heart, such a strong man he was. My prayers are forever with the LaForce family.By thankful
July 5, 2009 5:59 AM | Link to this
I didnt know blake personally but i knew his sister. living in vandalia we all would stay up dated on blake. Mr. Laforce i wanted to say your updates on carebridge were so comforting i and uplifting.you made me think about alot of things in life just by the words you spoke on God. your son and your family have touched so many lives. i personally have learned from blake to never give up and to always keep going. A TRUE HERO AND INSPIRATION TO ALL!! BLAKE #41 LIVESTRONG FOREVERBy To All,
July 5, 2009 2:25 AM | Link to this
I was very close with the LaForce family and my heart and prayers are with them all. Mark, Linda, Lauren and John God Bless you all! Blake truly was an amazing young man. He was loyal, friendly, kind, honest, sharp, full of confidence and one hell of an athlete!!! He will be missed by many but he is an inspiration to thousands! May his spirit and story live on forever! FOREVER 4-1! Love you Blake!By Mister
July 5, 2009 2:24 AM | Link to this
I was very close with the LaForce family and my heart and prayers are with them all. Mark, Linda, Lauren and John God Bless you all! Blake truly was an amazing young man. He was loyal, friendly, kind, honest, sharp, full of confidence and one hell of an athlete!!! He will be missed by many but he is an inspiration to thousands! May his spirit and story live on forever! FOREVER 4-1! Love you Blake!By Joe
July 5, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this
Amen.By You are with God now!
July 4, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this
I never knew Blake but he is with God his heavnly father now he can be happy where there is no more hurt and no more pain.But I look at it this way now the world has another angel watching over us.God Bless:)By HENRY
July 4, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this
Godspeed…GodspeedBy Max
July 4, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this
I never knew or met Blake. But my, what a person and an inspiration he is to so many people. God bless you and your family BlakeBy Greg Tampa, Fl.
July 4, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this
God bless you Blake my Prayers and love are with you young man.Your parents should be proud of you buddy!!!By Bob3
July 4, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this
An incredible young man.By bigdawg32
July 4, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this
Remember the old saying my friends…only the good die young. May God bless this courageous young man.By Congratulations!
July 4, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this
Blake sure fought a good fight! I agree with Blake is in a much better place! He truly graduated! On the other hand, how come some of these murderers, and rapist, child molesters, and drug dealers can’t “graduate.” Blake appeared to be such a positive person; we truly will miss him.By KDL
July 4, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this
Rest in peace, Blake. And, my prayers are with the friends and family of this remarkable young man. I am friends with his aunt & uncle and know that Blake has been a true inspiration to so many people. It is a tragic loss, but he has touched so many other lives that his legacy will live on.By Lynn
July 4, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this
Prayers for Blake’s family and friends. He was a strong young man who fought hard against so many obstacles.By mjm
July 4, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
My prayers are with Blake as well as with his family. May each of you find peace in knowing that he will be waiting for you when it is your time to cross over.