A Feel Good Story! 11-Year-Old Designs Logo for CaN Foundation, Honors Charlee & Nova’s Loss

June 19, 2025 | Sande Caplin | Great Reading

At just 11 years old, Norah from Marble, Arkansas, has already made a lasting impact through her creativity and compassion. When her grandmother, artist Rose Lipke of Cortez, Florida, shared the heartbreaking story behind the CaN Foundation—created to support two young girls who lost their mother to a drunk driver—Norah was moved to action. With empathy far beyond her years and a love for art, she offered to design the foundation’s logo. The result is a touching tribute that reflects love, hope, and resilience, proving that no one is ever too young to make a difference through kindness and creativity. Here is my interview with Norah.

Interview Questions for Norah, Age 11, Logo Designer for the CaN Foundation

Hi Norah! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself: your age, where you live, and what you love to do in your free time?

I am 11 years old. I live in Marble, Arkansas. In my free time, I like to birdwatch, go on nature walks, and play with my cats Emmy & Biscuit. I also love to draw, paint with watercolor, handmake animal masks, sewing, and pottery.

When did you first become interested in art and design? Do you remember the first thing you ever drew or painted?

I was probably about 2 years old. I drew a very bad stickman family picture for my mom.

Your grandmother, Rose Lipke, is a talented artist. What is it like having an artist in the family? Has she inspired you in any way?

Yes, definitely 1,000,000 %. She inspires me by the way she is so free with her art, she likes to make things specifically for herself, and I admire her for that.

Can you tell us how you first heard about the CaN Foundation and the story behind it?

My grandma Rose told me about the CaN foundation. She explained to me what happened to the little girls’ mom.

What was your reaction when you learned about the two little girls who lost their mom?

I immediately felt sad. I had empathy for them, and I thought no one should ever have to go through something like that.

When you asked your grandmother if you could design the logo, what inspired you to step up and offer your help?

Well, my grandma asked if creating a Logo for the CaN Foundation is something I would be interested in. I’m always willing to help everyone in every way I can.

Can you describe the logo you created for the CaN Foundation? What elements or symbols did you include, and what do they mean?

Whenever I heard that the girls were young, I wanted to include what I thought I would draw for my mom when I was that age. I know I always put in a lot of love into my drawings for my mom, so I wanted the logo to reflect the love the daughters have for their mom. The two sunflowers represent the two girls, one being slightly bigger to also represent the age difference and the general difference between the two girls. The orange sun represents the mom shining down on the two girls, sort of how the sun is essential for the growth of flowers, the mom is still providing that for her daughters even though she is physically gone.

How did it feel when you finished the logo and saw how great it turned out?

I felt proud, after all they have been through, it was nice to feel like I could make a difference through my art.

What do you hope people feel when they see your logo for the CaN Foundation?

I hope my logo can inspire others to help these two girls.

Did you learn anything important while working on this project—about design, yourself, or even helping others?

On this project I learned how to take instructions on certain elements that they wanted included like the color orange and the sunflowers. I was tasked with breathing life into the logo and making it meaningful. I have never done a project like this, and I learned a lot about my abilities as an artist.

What would you say to other kids your age who want to help others but don’t know how?

Even if you feel like you don’t know how to help, try to figure out how to best use your talents to benefit others and yourself. It can be a small drawing to cheer up a friend, you never know when a small gesture can have huge impact on someone.

Would you like to keep designing logos or other creative projects in the future? What are your dream goals as an artist?

I would love to make more logos. Eventually, I would love to start a little business recycling things and making art out of them. I care about the earth and every creature on it so I would like my art to not have an impact on the environment. I would like my art to represent how a person could connect more with everything and everyone around them.

How did your family react when they saw the final logo? What did your grandma say?

My family cried and were very proud of me.

Lastly, what message would you like to share with the two girls the CaN Foundation was created for?

I would like to say, I care very deeply for both of you – even though we are strangers. I am hopeful for your future, and I hope the CaN foundation can help you girls live a full life despite the challenges you have faced and will continue to face throughout your lifetime. I hope I can meet you two someday.