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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.

As most of us are aware, when a child has a complex diagnosis, it affects the entire family and the entire family endures the journey. It was hard for our children to watch their sister fight for her life since she was just one. However, they adapted well to Lejla’s cancer diagnosis, and her health and treatment.

Heather was a happy and healthy kid. Just before her diagnosis she was running 5K races, competed in a Tough Mudder, and was doing P90X. She was a leader in her church youth group and volunteered to serve in many areas.

To know Michael Gustafson was to know laughter and ambition and brevity. Michael came into this world a leader. He was the first born twin (a fact he never let his sister forget). He shared not just the womb, but the same crib, the same bed and books and appetite for life with his twin sister.

To say that the loss of McKenna has been devastating is an understatement. Our ray of sunshine is gone, and the hole she has left is dark and deep. However, McKenna was not one to dwell on the negatives of life. Her joy was contagious and her heart was huge. Her impact on the world was evident from the out-pouring of support we received from her family and friends during her illness.