Ian’s Legacy
On March 4, 2023, Ian Charles Romaine left his earthly body to live forevermore in the presence of his greatest hero, his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ian passed away after an 11-month battle with one of the most aggressive terminal brain cancers that afflict children today: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). However, cancer did not for one second define his identity. He was first and foremost a child of God and a follower of Jesus, having placed his personal faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ when he was 6 years old. He declared his faith before the church and unto the world through his public baptism when he was 7.
Ian was born on November 15, 2014, in Salamanca, Spain, and was the biggest baby the pediatrician had ever seen. He was a chubby and sweet baby who grew into an amazing little man. Some would say his life was cut short, but those who knew Ian would quickly raise an objection and say that the impact and legacy of this gentle, adventurous, yet cautious boy have rippled far wider and touched more lives than most adult men could ever dream.
He impacted all he came in contact with through his overwhelming generosity and thoughtfulness of others. He was always giving his toys and candy away to strangers and friends alike. Ian would proudly state that he wanted to be a soccer player when he grew up. He loved playing many sports, building Legos, playing video games, swimming, riding his bike, and being outdoors.
Our Donation Story
During his 11-month battle with brain cancer, Ian would constantly cry out to God in prayer for all of the children who have cancer. He didn’t pray selfishly for his own healing but for the healing of others. His greatest desire was that no other child would have to experience the trauma and death caused by cancer.
Ian’s tissue donation has been an answer to his own prayer, as it will allow doctors and researchers another opportunity to study a rare, inoperable, and incurable cancerous tumor. His selflessness in both life and death continues to impact the fight against childhood cancer.
