Anthony
Letter read at Relay for Life (June 2008)
held in Oyster Bay in honor of Anthony
I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all of you who are here today in remembrance and in celebration of Anthony, my son. Through the years, you have shared his triumphs and tribulations, and have been supportive and caring, and for that I am forever grateful. Your participation in today’s event will help fund future efforts to help find a cure for Anthony’s illness, and all those suffering from cancer. Anthony was a special boy, and he demonstrated unheralded bravery in the face of a dim and uncertain fate. He lived each day and in his short time made his life and the lives he touched worthwhile. Despite the adverse effects of treatment through the difficult years of therapy, Anthony always continued to pursue his creative passions for art and music. His humility and kindness to others was beyond his short years, and he never complained about the cards he was dealt. He had so many friends, both teachers and peers, and his striving to be the best that he was capable of, even when tired and with no more energy, set an example for others to emulate. He was a sensitive child, and he never let those around him feel down, on the contrary, he strove to make everyone feel happy and comfortable. Cancer is the most terrible of all demons, taking a slow and relentless toll on its victims, offering glimmers of hope and then just as quickly dashing them away. It is especially tragic in one so young, making life seem so cruel and unfair. Anthony was my blessing, and he was also a blessing to others. Anthony would not want us to remain saddened by his early departure, but to go on and make the most of our lives, as he did. I pray that he is at peace now, and I pray that one day soon a cure will be found to help all those who at the present moment see only a closed door to their future. Thank you all again for coming here and now, let the walk begin.
