Dear Bryan,

I saw you every now and then in high school and I had some classes with your sister. Two years ago, I heard you were diagnosed with cancer. I felt bad…Why does that have to happen to someone so young? I didn’t want to try to be friends with you just because you had cancer (now I wish I would have been a friend because you could have taught me so much). I watched as the whole school came together to support you. Everyone was your friend. I couldn’t figure out why you had such a large fan club–I figured it was just everyone pretending to be your friend. I realize now that I was completely wrong.

The Facebook page that was made for you made me realize that you were a great person. You fought this cancer with a constant smile on your face. Nothing was going to bring you down. Because of this, you had support from everyone around you–no one wanted to see that smile leave your face.

October 11, 2013 you died. The cancer finally took you, but it did not beat you. Even until that last moment, you were still full of hope. You didn’t let your cancer define you. You died just days before your golden birthday…you only had to fight another 6 days. I realize now that you let go so that you didn’t have to suffer on your birthday…you gave yourself the best present you possibly could have. 

Everyone is sad that you are gone, but at the same time, everyone is happy that you no longer have to suffer. You didn’t deserve the pain you went through. You are a great role model for everyone. You showed me that I shouldn’t sweat the small things. Life isn’t about what obstacles you have to face; it’s about how you face them. I wish so much that we could have been friends, but I realize that if you had not had cancer, I would have never known you. I would not have learned from you as I have now. I really hope you are resting peacefully, Bryan. You are missed by all. You have touched an entire community. 

Forever Touched,
Your Fellow Classmate, age 20