Blake LaForce #41 - Vandalia Butler Foundation

Blake Christian LaForce, a 2009 student athlete and graduate of Butler High School, fought and beat cancer (acute lymphoblastic leukemia), with a bone marrow transplant. Then a surprise central nervous system parasitic infection challenged Blake, who miraculously fought on, only later to succumb to insurmountable number of complications. Blake was the son of Mark and Linda LaForce and the brother of Lauren (LaForce) Woods and Johnathan LaForce. Blake was a “home-grown boy” attending Murlin Heights, Smith Middle, and Butler High Schools. He was a good student (receiving an invitation to National Honor Society) who enjoyed and excelled in athletics outside the classroom.
The spirit of building the character of Vandalia-Butler youth is the impetus for the Blake LaForce MEMORIAL FUND. The LaForce family understands the need for “educating the whole child”. Student athletes not only learn a strong work ethic and determination, but also how to work together, as a team, to attain one common goal. Students who participate in athletics at any level learn leadership skills, how to set and reach goals, and a sense of healthy competition.