Blair loved the Eagles, fast cars, video games and chocolate. He always had a lot of energy and was rarely sick. That is why we were alarmed when at the age of 20 he began complaining of severe pain in his back and knees. We tried all of the standard treatments, ice, Tylenol, extra mattress foam but the pain continued to worsen. After five emergency room visits, and consultations with a variety of medical specialists, Blair ended up at Penn State's Hershey Medical Center. We would find out that this was just the beginning of a terrible battle with a beast of a disease.  He was diagnosed with a rare pediatric bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma. We were told that the chance of Blair surviving this disease was less than 20%.

 

During that first hospital stay a social worker visited us and informed us that Blair qualified as a 4 Diamonds patient. Most people think that the 4 Diamonds Fund only serves babies and children but what about young adults? The eligibility requirements are actually broader. Young people who are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 22 and receiving treatment at Hershey Medical Center qualify.

 

One of the Four Diamonds is Courage. Blair showed us tremendous courage during his battle with Ewings Sarcoma. Courage is what allowed Blair to fight as long and as hard as he did. He was completely outnumbered in this battle and without the support of family, friends, the church, and the Four Diamonds Fund Blair would have fallen much sooner.

 

Another of the Four Diamonds is Strength. Blair was so strong. He endured hideous pain. He suffered through chemotherapy, radiation and Gamma Knife Surgery. He had countless transfusions, spinal taps and painful tests. Somehow, through it all, Blair remained hopeful.

 

During the last weeks of his life, Blair wished that he would win the lottery so that he could give the money to help kids with cancer. He told us that he would give the money away because “They need it more than I do.”

 

Blair did not win the lottery. He took his last breath on July 29, 2012. He was 22 years old. He did not have a chance to show the world the amazing things that he could do with his life. However, we will do our best to honor his wish to help other kids with cancer. When you purchase a ticket to our “Mangia Meatball” event, you will be donating money for pediatric cancer research and support for families that are in the midst of the battle against a monster of a disease. On behalf of Blair and our family, we thank you!