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Austin described himself as a “decent, cool dude.” He was the funniest and wisest person I have ever known, and he only lived for 13 years, 10 months, and 17 days. Austin was born with five brown birthmarks that, at the time, though extremely rare, seemed to be only a minor cosmetic issue.

Cecily was our sunshine. She lit up any room she entered. She loved her family and friends and took any chance to go do anything fun. . After radiation and chemotherapy her doctors told her that probably couldn’t happen. She told them that she would instead donate her brain and spine to research when the time came.

Our beautiful daughter, Mackenzie (Kenzie), was diagnosed with high-risk, metastatic medulloblastoma in May of 2018 at the age of seven. Over the next year, she endured two emergency brain surgeries, six weeks of whole brain and spine radiation, and seven months of high-dose chemotherapy.

Our Collin was a special little guy from the moment he was born. There was just something about him—about how he loved life and how he loved and cared for everyone around him. Collin made the lives of the people whose paths he crossed better. What made Collin stand out among everyone was his faith.

Grayson was full of life and loved being around people. His life was tragically cut short on 3/21/21, just two weeks after he turned 16. He was diagnosed with an aggressive pediatric brain tumor the month after he turned 14. He fought courageously during his 23-month cancer journey, maintaining a positive attitude despite the many awful side effects from the treatments he endured.

Born May 26, 2008, Ethan was a joyful, caring and fun-loving kid. A smile was almost always on his face. He was a peacemaker and enjoyed playing games together as a family. He loved his siblings, drawing, legos, the Yankees and his puppy Milo.

On November 13, 2020, just 5 short months after her initial diagnosis, sweet Lucy grew the most glittery, sparkly rainbow, beautiful angel wings that there ever has been. In the words of Lucy’s mom, Raegen, “Our hearts are shattered into infinite pieces, but we find comfort knowing that she is no longer suffering. Lucy’s battle may be over, but our war against DIPG wages on with fury.”

Luca’s laughter rang through our hearts and filled our home with joy from the day he was born. His chocolate-brown eyes sparkled with mischief, and he literally melted my heart and wrapped me firmly around his tiny finger. He was always smiling and loved being in the middle of the action. Luca loved his family and spent every waking moment with us.

Tanner Gillen was 13 years old when he was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma. He remained charming, funny, and caring throughout his journey. Tanners’ greatest accomplishment is being the best son, friend, brother, dog owner, fisherman, golfer, and lover of history. He rested after a hard-fought battle on January 23, 2019, he was 14 years old.

Let me tell you about Charlie. From the moment he was born, he was an old soul. Watching and learning from his big sister Emily and his big brother Tim, wanting to be with them always. They were the fam squad, and best of friends. Charlie held onto moms fingers far longer than he needed, and was her little buddy.

Andrew lived life loud and with absolute exuberance. His laugh would fill the rooms and your soul in a way that would simply make you happy and proud to have this little man in your life.