By Michelle Phaup

‘When Adam left us after his five month battle with cancer, the world lost a decent and honorable person. Yet as long as his memory lives in our hearts, the light of his goodness, his dedication, his humility and his courage in the face of the gravest circumstances will continue both in and through us. Let us never forget our friend, Adam, and in the great challenge he has set before us with his life ? to live a life worthy of honor and remembrance.? Written by Bob Ryder, James Madison University Archery Coach
Adam Wheatcroft, a 2000 graduate of Our Lady of the Lakes, passed away in October 2003 after a battle with brain cancer. Despite 14 rounds of brain radiation and surgery to remove the tumors, the cancer spread to his spine. He was 21.
Although Adam left us far too soon, he will long be remembered as an incredible person, gifted archer, humble leader, and inspiration to everyone who crossed his path. Four years after his death, his name is often spoken.
The Adam Wheatcroft Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by his parents, Rob & Lynette, on April 2, 2004, continues Adam’s legacy and impacts the lives of many students at James Madison University (JMU) in Virginia, the college he attended.
Adam was an exceptional archer. He was a three time All American and won the U.S. Intercollegiate Championships his freshman and junior year. He won the World Championship in the individual competition in 2002 and led the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the world university games in Thailand. Archery coach Bob Ryder said, ‘Adam was determined to be the best. This was a kid who went to three different world championships and won them. That is an amazing feat.?
Each year, Adam’s family joins together and organizes a fundraiser for the scholarship fund. Sue Welker, Adam’s aunt, said that ‘Our family cherishes the time that we spend together honoring and remembering Adam’s life. Adam is bringing us together.?
Each year two archery students, one male, one female, are awarded a scholarship. Coach Ryder sets the criteria for the scholarships and chooses the recipients. Coach Ryder, ‘When I picked these (kids) I had all kinds of parameters that I was setting up for their selection, but it simply comes down to one thing, who would Adam want to give the scholarship to? And that made it easy. He will remain by my side throughout each season; watching his investment in the success of the team and helping me make the selection each year.?
Over $100,000 has been raised since the opening of Adam’s foundation in 2004. Thanks to friends and the community’s generosity, scholarships will be provided this year.
I hope you’ll put on your favorite Hawaiian shirt & flip flops and join Adam’s family and me for a Luau theme dinner and fundraiser to benefit the Adam Wheatcroft Memorial Scholarship Foundation. At the dinner, there will be a silent auction, bake sale, 50/50 drawings, door prize raffles, and more. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm.

A Benefit to Remember Adam Wheatcroft & Celebrate his Life
Saturday, October 20, 2007
5:30 pm
Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club
4770 Waterford Road
Clarkston, MI 48346
Tickets are $15 each and limited to 300. To purchase, please contact: Lynette & Rob Wheatcroft (248) 628-6390, Nancy Larrow (734) 426-8844, or Sue Welker (248) 505-7449.

If you’re unable to attend the event, but would like to make a donation, please make checks payable to the James Madison University Foundation and mail to: Lynette & Rob Wheatcroft, 3640 S. Sashabaw Rd. Clarkston, MI 48348.

Michelle Phaup, founder of Lend A Helping Hand, enjoys helping people and working for a worthwhile cause. To share a story about a local family member, friend, or neighbor who can benefit from help within the community, please email: Michelle@LendAHelpingHand.org