Harper Elizabeth Drolet

Harper Elizabeth Drolet, age 11, ended her two year exhausting battle with a rare form of soft tissue cell cancer on Friday, September 30, 2011 with her family by her side. 

Harper was born on June 26, 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia.  At the age of one, she and her parents moved home to Charleston.  She attended Blessed Sacrament School and church.  She recently entered the sixth grade thrilled to be in middle school to wear a skirt instead of a jumper. 

Harper and her family quickly adopted the phrase, Hugs for Harper.  Her mantra has been courage, strength and hope.  As the community overwhelmingly supported Harper and her family through her battle, she selflessly thought of other people and ways she could give back.  In her powerful faith and deeds, Harper has given us her legacy. 

She set out to lend a hand to others during her time at MUSC Children's Hospital.  "The Mayor" soon became her title as she rolled her IV pole, blue eyes and bald head shinning, down the halls to visit.  Her positive attitude spread contagiously as she flashed her beautiful smile spreading joy to peers, staff and families.

After learning that the Happy Wheels Volunteer Children's Program was in trouble, Harper sprang into action and partnered with Wonder Works toy-store to lead a campaign that collected 7,000 toys and books. Harper moved on to her next rescue, horses. A budding artist, Harper began drawing horse pictures to raise funds for her new cause called, Many Ways For Neighs.  The money collected would be donated to a shelter for abused horses where she sponsored her beloved Fiona, an eight year old horse that had survived stomach cancer. 

Her lifelong goal was to become a Veterinarian from the time she was three.  The gentleness and understanding she showered on animals was reflected in their response to her. 

Harper was infectious, loving, brilliant and truly inspirational. She has gifted us all with her love for life.  Harper's courage was remarkable, her strength was continual and her hope was eternal. 

She is survived by her parents, Jamie and Amy Drolet; her sisters, Henderson and Helen; maternal grandmother, Barbara Harper Young; paternal grandparents, Michael and Carol Drolet; aunts, Cashion Drolet and Jody Young; uncles, Cameron Drolet (Dawn); Daniel Drolet (Millie); cousins, Caroline Mackay, Cameron, Jr., and Jameson Drolet, Truman Emily and Daniel Drolet, Jr., Jake and Chad Palmer; and her pets: hamster, Bear, dogs: Scotch, Mazy, Molly, Jake and Sam, and horse, Fiona.   Harper is predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Jerry Young.

The entire Drolet family would like to express our deepest thanks for each and every person who has touched our lives during the time of Harper's illness.                             

Harper's relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at 11:00 am.  Prayers of Final Commendation and Farewell will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.  The family will welcome friends at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, Monday between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. 

Memorials may be made in Harper's honor to Blessed Sacrament School, 7 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 and/or L.E.A.R.N. (Livestock Equine Awareness Rescue Network), P. O. Box 619, Ravenel, SC  29470.