Kevin’s Legacy
Kevin was a bright, good, and beautiful soul. From his earliest days, he was full of questions—constantly wondering how things worked and why the world was the way it was. That insatiable curiosity guided so much of who he was. He was a voracious reader, a creative force with Legos, a dedicated gamer in Minecraft, and a young artist who found joy in music and drawing.
Kevin lived a life full of love across two homes. With his mother, he was the guardian of three beloved dogs and a collection of reptiles he cared for with pride. With his father and stepmother, he discovered his passion for storytelling through cartoon-making and a growing love of cooking.
In November 2023, Kevin was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)—a rare, aggressive, and currently incurable brain tumor that primarily affects children. The diagnosis was devastating. But Kevin, with the support of the oncology team at the Aflac Cancer Center and the radiology team at Emory University Hospital, fought with the same bravery and depth of spirit that defined his life. For 17 months, he endured treatment with courage and humor, never letting the illness take away his essence.
Kevin passed away on March 12, 2025, surrounded by family. The impact of his life was so profound that his school closed early to allow friends and teachers to attend his funeral. His classmates remember him most for his sharp wit, love of gaming, and incredible ability to make them laugh.
Kevin’s Impact
When Kevin was diagnosed with DIPG, his family’s world shattered. But with the support of the ChadTough Foundation and a community that rallied around them, Kevin’s family found strength and hope. A passionate Minecraft fan, Kevin dreamed of seeing The Minecraft Movie—scheduled for release in April 2025. When doctors warned he may only have weeks left, his mother reached out to an old friend in the film industry. That one message resulted in something wonderful. Within hours, Crew Stories helped connect her to the film’s director, and soon Kevin was on video calls with Jack Black and Jason Momoa. Warner Brothers and Legendary Studios arranged a private screening just for him—complete with merch from Mojang, LEGO, and Mattel. On March 1, 2025, Kevin watched his favorite game come to life alongside the actor who plays Henry in the film. He smiled the whole time. He joked with Jack Black. He left an entire online world moved to action. Posts about Kevin reached millions. The hashtag #ForKevin was born. And through it all, people learned about DIPG—because Kevin brought joy, connection, and meaning to everyone who heard his story.
Our Donation Story
One story from second grade says so much about who Kevin was. A classmate was distraught after failing a math quiz. While others may not have known what to say, Kevin gently comforted her with the words, “Don’t worry. It’s just a piece of paper.” That simple sentence revealed his empathy, wisdom, and a heart far older than his years.
When Kevin’s time came, the extraordinary organization Gift from a Child reached out and gave Kevin and his family a powerful opportunity—to contribute to the fight against DIPG. Through the gift of his tissue, Kevin’s story doesn’t end. His generosity lives on in the hands of researchers working tirelessly to find a cure.
His family is committed to seeing that cure come in their lifetime. This loss is unbearable, but Kevin’s memory now fuels a mission. Donations to DIPG research are more than kind gestures—they are the path forward. Every dollar brings us closer to the day when no more children need to suffer from this brutal disease.
We are endlessly proud of Kevin—his kindness, brilliance, creativity, and selflessness. And we are grateful to all who help his legacy grow in purpose and power.
To learn more or support the search for a cure, please visit www.forkevin.org.
