By Jamie Strickland
In the heart of a vibrant community park, a new bench now offers a place to pause and remember a young girl who brought joy and light to those around her.
The Noelle Strong Foundation recently gathered with family, friends and members of the community at Clayton Municipal Park on McCullers Street for a bench dedication honoring the memory of Noelle Franklin.
Noelle was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of childhood cancer, in May 2024. After a courageous battle full of treatments and surgeries, she passed away in May 2025 at 7 years old.
The bench creates a lasting space meant to keep her presence felt in the town she called home.
The foundation was formed by Noelle’s parents Toni and Dylan Franklin along with friends, family and community supporters. Their goals are to preserve her legacy, support other families battling cancer and raise funds for much needed research.
The dedication came nearly one year after a community parade held on Good Friday in 2025, celebrating Noelle as she came home from the hospital. The close timing of the two events added a deeper meaning for those who continue to carry her story forward.
“This is a Clayton full circle moment,” said foundation board member Stephanie Parker.
The memorial was made possible by the Clayton Rotary Club, which provided the funds for the bench. Rotary Club President Lynn Roman said the organization was honored to support the effort and help preserve Noelle’s legacy within the community.
Board Member Christina Chittenden said the Rotary Club was eager to help.
“We reached out to ask if they’d like to help and they just stepped right up and said ‘we’ll take care of it,’” she said.
Chittenden added that the bench was created to give all who knew Noelle a place to go to reflect and remember a child who remained joyful and positive throughout her journey.
For Noelle’s father Dylan Franklin, the bench represents the lasting impact his daughter had on those around her, and the contributions she would have continued to make.
“This is a part of Noelle and Noelle was a part of our community. This helps keep her living within her community,” he said.
The Noelle Strong Foundation continues to honor her memory through fundraising efforts that support cancer research and assist local families.
This Christmas, Noelle would have been 8 years old, so the organization will sponsor Christmas gifts for eight families, with plans to increase that number annually in alignment with the age Noelle would have been.
Community members can learn more about Noelle’s story, upcoming events and ways to support the foundation at noellestrong.org or through the Noelle Strong Foundation’s Facebook page.
