Two successful military careers. Two funny, bright and high achieving kids. Mike and Brigit, both Lieutenant Colonels in the Army, looked like they had it all. Brigit - who was the first Native American woman to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) - had been offered battalion command. Mike, a Ph.D., was coming to teach at the Academy.

But then their younger child Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer. Brigit turned down the coveted command slot to join Mike and the kids. For nearly two years Michael fought the good fight. He got the best possible medical care but the disease was too much for him in the end.

During that long struggle, with its hopeful moments and heartbreaking disappointments, Mike and Brigit kept their relationship strong, took great care of both their children and found support in their colleagues and military companions.

Michael's death was wrenching for Brigit, Mike and all their friends. But that was not the end of the story. Army officers don't just endure - they lead. And so the Friends 4 Michael Foundation was born.

Friends 4 Michael has a new blog up and running. Check it out and consider donating directly or joining them as they run to raise funds for research and to help families dealing with this devastating illness. They've already awarded one scholarship and can do a whole lot more with some help from us here in the blogosphere.

And please join me in congratulating Cheryl, Michael's older sister, as she starts her college career at MIT. Cheryl's as good an athlete as she is a scholar. I think she's gonna wow 'em in Cambridge.