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Will’s Legacy

Will

In part two of our Valentineā€™s Day blog series, we are honoring Will Irwin. Will was described by his friends and family as a happy, little boy who brought so much joy and laughter to those around him.

On January 21, 2019, Will’s parents, Mike and Joanna, heard the most devastating news parents can hear – their 3-month-old firstborn had cancer. To date, the cancer is undiagnosed and has stumped the top doctors in the field of pediatric cancer. Will endured 5 months of chemotherapy and numerous surgeries–including several brain surgeries. In the final week of his life, he even underwent immunotherapy. Through his battle, Will was a dream of a child. He cuddled his mom and sang with his dad. He read books with his grandparents and brought so much joy and love to his aunts and uncles. God the Father brought Will home to heaven on May 31, 2019, one day before his 8th month birthday.

“We grieve our baby boy every day, and it brings us hope to raise money for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. No child should suffer from cancer,” said his mother, Joanna.

Will spent over half his short life battling nasty tumors and living in CHOC. Throughout Will’s battle, he remained to be the most angelic and happy little boy. Even when in pain, he loved to snuggle his family. Will’s perseverance throughout his battle with cancer, motivates Team Will Strong to run. Will’s good nature and his sweet smile in the face of illness, motivates us to run.

“To My Forever Valentine,

Happy Valentines Day to my Angel in Heaven who will eternally have my heart. Not a moment goes by that I don’t think about you and desperately long to hold you, kiss you, and cuddle with you one more time. I can see your big bright smile and hear your sweet giggle so vividly in my mind, and I can’t wait to be reunited with you someday in Heaven.

I hope you feel the overwhelming love your dad and I have for you today and every single day. You have forever changed your dad and me by bringing us more love and joy then we could have ever imagined. Being your mom and dad is the biggest blessing in the world and we are forever grateful to you, our sweet angel baby, for giving us the gift of getting to love you forever!

My heart is forever yours,

Your Mommy”

“May the winds of Heaven blow softly

and whisper in your ear

How much we love and miss you

and wish you were here”

Will’s memory is alive and well through his loved ones and we will continue his legacy strong by helping find a cure and give hope to other families affected by pediatric cancer.

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