03/02/2026
I’m so grateful to Molly for sharing this.
Being one of meant more to BJ than I can put into words. When you’re walking through childhood cancer, feeling seen matters. Molly saw him. She honored him. And she helped the world know him — both in life and when we lost him.
This week holds a lot of emotion. March 4th would have been BJ’s 25th birthday, and Friday, March 6th marks ten years since we said goodbye. Ten years feels impossible… and somehow also feels like yesterday. 🩵
BJ Correll's mom, Michelle Love, recently reached out. It'd been years since we last talked. I've thought about how to best summarize her email into a Facebook post and realized sharing her exact words (summarizing nothing) about this upcoming week is what's best.
So, I bring you, Michelle:
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"Molly,
I’ve thought about reaching out to you for a while and it finally feels like the right moment. You were such an important part of BJ’s story. Being one of meant so much to him... and to me and Carly [his sister] as well, and I will never forget the way you honored BJ when he passed. You helped the world know him, and that still means everything.
This year, March 6th, marks the 10th anniversary of BJ’s death (he would be 25 on March 4), and in a way, that feels both heavy and beautiful. We’re hosting a special fundraiser on Thursday called the Battle of the Barrels. It'll take place on Friday, March 6th, 6-10pm, at The Crowe Mansion. We plan it to be a true celebration of legacy, resilience, and the joy BJ brought into the world.
The evening will feature guided wine tastings from two incredible NC vineyards (Rayson Wines & Vineyards and Dynamis Estate Wines), dinner and small-bite pairings, a silent auction, and time to simply gather in community. It will all benefit the Stand Firm Warrior Foundation and the pediatric cancer families we serve.
As just one silent auction item, I'm letting go of BJ's 2016 NCAA Tarheels basketball that the whole team and staff signed. He never got to see it, so it's time for that basketball to provide some joy to someone else.
It feels incredibly full circle to hold this event on the exact anniversary… not just to remember BJ, but to continue the ripple he started.
Some of BJ's Navy SEAL brothers will be there as well.
Thank you again for the way you have always used your voice to shine light on these kids and their families. You made BJ feel seen in a way I can never adequately put into words.
With love and appreciation,
Michelle"
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No thank you needed, Michelle. Ever. Watching you and Carly love on your son/her brother, is something I'll never forget. I can't be there in person on Friday but will definitely be there in spirit with you both.
Maybe this post -- your words and sincerity -- will move a few others to show up and celebrate BJ.
Ten years later, and you're still out lifting up others and keeping his name and legacy moving ahead. Hug yourself. It's remarkable.
The Good, the Bad and the Always Real.
-Molly
PS: This picture is of Michelle and BJ from September 2012.
