Gavin Morris to Be Remembered for His Strong, Super Qualities
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on March 11, 2014
Mother of 4-year-old Gavin Morris, Tosha Morris posted the following on her Facebook page the morning of Mon., March 10, 2014:
“My baby Gavin became CANCER FREE this morning at 7:03 a.m. I knew he could do it all along. He NEVER gave up... He didn't know how to - it was not in him. I want everyone to know that he DID receive his miracle, long ago.
I want Gavin remembered for his handsome smile, contagious laugh, and his witty personality, his love for video games; His iPad and movies, his passion for cooking, his positive outlook on life; His wisdom beyond his years, his compassionate soul, his willingness to forgive, his thankfulness of EVERY God given day, and the simplicity and realism he brought to so many lives.
Please join us in celebration by paying something forward in his honor."
The following story by Julie Perine had been prepared late last week to inform Gavin’s supporters of his condition:
It was discovered last week that 4-year-old Gavin Morris, who has been battling cancer since age 2, suffered a major stroke.
Gavin was at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and was scheduled for a chemotherapy treatment on the day the stroke was discovered. A CT scan showed that he had developed a brain tumor and was producing active bleeding.
“After an educated discussion with his doctor, we decided the best option for Gavin was to help him be as comfortable as possible, as soon as possible,” said his mother Tosha in a recent Facebook post. “He's comfortable. He's loved. He's peaceful. He's calm. He's in my arms. He IS GAVIN STRONG.”
That phrase – which has spawned worldwide attention and support - was born in May of 2012, shortly after Gavin was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a malignant tumor which develops from nerve tissue.
A flood of pictures, featuring individuals and groups sporting their best “Strong Poses,” began pouring in to support the Morris family of Ripley, formerly of Grafton. Many of those images have been included in a series of YouTube videos. Other videos viewable on YouTube feature pictures capturing Gavin’s journey through treatment. One of the latest videos can be seen below. The videos were created by Gavin’s Great-Aunt Melinda Petroff, not only in Gavin’s support, but also in support of all children and adults facing cancer and other illnesses.
Over the last couple of years, Gavin has undergone surgery, many treatments and therapies, including stem cell therapy, radiation and MIBG therapy. There have been medication and insurance issues; all creating countless highs and lows. Regardless of the situation, the family has kept faith, hope and courage at the forefront.
Shortly before the last tumor was discovered and Gavin experienced a stroke, it was reported to Gavin’s Facebook community that scans had shown that all previous known tumors were still there and new disease had grown, despite all therapies.
“Gavin's disease is very aggressive and we realize what we're up against, but I'll never give up hope,” posted Tosha to the “Be Gavin Strong” Facebook community of nearly 7,000 members – many who are using images of Gavin as their own profile pictures.
Chad and Tosha Morris, their youngest son Greyson and entire family, asks for continued prayers.
“Please pray for all of us to accept God's timing and to be as strong as Gavin through all of this,” said Tosha in a March 5 Facebook post.
A number of inspiring messages, as well as “Gavin Strong” photos, continue to pour in.
Physical and spiritual muscles continue to be flexed. The family sends heart-felt appreciation to members of the community for their avid support, donations and prayers.
Gavin continues to be a superhero to thousands. Through their own experience, the family has become compassionate advocates for the funding of childhood cancer. To become part of that effort, click this link to donate to the Gavin Strong Fund for Neuroblastoma Research via Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Through research, the family has chosen this foundation as 100 percent of donations will be utilized for funding for children's cancer research and funding.
Another way to help is to share your stories of how you have been inspired by Gavin. A website has been set up for that purpose. Share your story
here.
Gavin's viewing will be Wednesday, March 12, in Ambler, Pa., Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home 145 Tennis Ave., Ambler, PA 19002, 215-646-0595, http://www.shaeff-myers.com.
“The timing may vary slightly but the plan is to welcome friends and family to celebrate Gavin's life with us from 3 to 6 p.m.,” Tosha Morris said. “We are very adamant that we do NOT wish to receive flowers, plants, blankets, etc. Instead, we have chosen a way that we can all give in Gavin's honor. We have carefully chosen Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to donate funds to support Neuroblastoma research specifically.”
It was Gavin's Great-Aunt Melinda Petroff, of Bridgeport, who brought us Gavin's story back in June of 2012. Read Connect-Bridgeport’s original story here.
Leave a Comment
Log in or create an account to post a comment.