The Birth of an Angel

This is the picture of one of the sweetest families that I ever known.  Nicole, Will and their son Aiden.  Nicole and Will are childhood sweethearts, soul mates.  I have never known them to argue, or to be mad at each other.  They are just so in love.  In September of 2009, they welcomed their sweet, adorable son, Aiden into the world.  It seemed that their lives were complete.

In June of 2010, Will was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer.  He had never smoked a day in his life.  The news was devastating, and I can't even imagine what they were thinking.  Instead of letting the news get them down, this amazing couple turned it around.  They made it their mission to promote Lung Cancer Awareness.  They have done the Free to Breathe Walk, with the team name of Will Power, they have been on Channel 6 News, and have done countless other things to get the word out about this horrible disease.  I know that I, for one have learned a great deal about this disease myself.  For instance, Lung Cancer is the deadliest form of cancer, yet, it is the least funded.  More non-smokers are diagnosed every year with cancer than smokers, yet, the stigma of a "smoker's disease" is still attached to it.  They have made me see that ANYONE can get lung cancer, ANYONE, including this amazing man, who was only 27 years old at the time that he was diagnosed.

Through countless chemotherapy treatments, numerous hospital stays, and everything that this little family has gone through, Will has never stopped smiling.  It is absolutely amazing to see the strength in him and Nicole through all of this.  They inspire me in ways that I never thought possible.

Sadly, yesterday, January 31, 2013, Will became an angel in Heaven.  To say that his family and friends are devastated is an understatement.  I cannot imagine what Nicole and Aiden are going through.  It absolutely breaks my heart to think about it, so I can't imagine what it's like to live it.  

I have known Nicole for a very, very long time (she was 18 months old when our brothers met in pre-school and our mothers have been best friends ever since).  I have and always will consider Nicole and her brother and sister my brother and sisters.  I know that she will take the time to grieve and to console her son.  Then, she will stand back up and she will continue to be a warrior...for herself, for Aiden, and for Will.  

Nicole's brother, Bruce, is organizing a fundraiser for Nicole and Aiden.  If you can donate, please consider doing so.  It will be greatly appreciated.  This is the link Marris Fundraiser.  Every little bit helps.

To Will, I want to say, thank you.  Thank you for the love that you gave to Nicole and Aiden.  Thank you for showing everyone around you what the face of bravery is.  It's not fair that you had to endure what you did, but you handled it with such strength and grace.  You have shown us what Will Power really is and you will never ever be forgotten.  Team Will Power forever!