Logan’s Legacy
Logan Wilkerson was 13 years old and lived a life filled with curiosity, creativity, and adventure. He loved reading classic stories like Treasure Island and The Hobbit, building with Legos, playing video games, and spending time outdoors. Logan especially loved nature—camping, fishing, lakes, rivers, oceans, Yellowstone National Park, and the towering redwood trees. He had a deep love for animals of every kind, even the ugly ones. He loved babies and wanted 3 kids of his own one day—2 girls and a boy.
Logan was an exceptionally talented artist, winning first-place awards for drawing at the county fair three years in a row. He was endlessly creative, spending hours designing and building elaborate swords, armor, and helmets from paper and duct tape. He loved history, taught himself German, and was always eager to learn something new.
For 15 months, Logan fought spinal cord diffuse midline glioma (DMG) with extraordinary courage. During his illness, he participated in two clinical trials at UCSF because he wanted to help other children facing cancer. Even after his passing, Logan continued that mission. His brain and spinal cord were donated to the Monje Lab at Stanford, where researchers will study his cells in hopes of finding better treatments and saving future lives.
Logan passed away surrounded by love—his mother, Kasey; his father, Mathew; his big sister, Lily; and the pets he adored.
We miss him every day, but we are proud of the kindness, courage, creativity, and generosity he showed throughout his life. Through the lives he touched and the research he continues to support, Logan’s legacy lives on.
Our Donation Story
Logan participated in 2 clinical trials with UCSF during his fight. For one in particular, he knew he was the first child and was proud to be the one to make sure it would be safe and accessible for others after him. Although he did not know his prognosis and we did not talk about plans after his passing, the next day we knew immediately what we had to do. We called Lisa Ward from Tough2gether, and she, along with Gift from a Child, Stanford’s coordinator, and our funeral home, got the donation to Dr. Monje’s lab in record time. We were told that when Logan arrived, the team greeted him with music—sea shanties, his favorite. We knew he was in good hands.
If Logan’s donation can save only one child, we will find comfort in knowing another family won’t have to endure the pain of losing their child. However, we are confident Logan will be saving many, many more! We are proud of Logan and will always remember him for his legacy and so much more.
