Evan
Christian Cousineau, a small and lively little boy, will never know the impact
he has on my daily thoughts and actions. How can a seemingly naïve, young child
have such a strong hold over me?
While
cheering his team on to victory, I laugh to myself at the sight of Evan’s
coaches trying to contain his boundless energy and enthusiasm. Days later, this
same bundle of energy was diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, ALD, which in
the course of six months would rob him of his sight, his speech, and eventually
his life. After being told Evan’s disease was terminal, his family refused to
accept the idea of his suffering and death, and they found refuge and hope at
the University of Minnesota Medical Center, which pioneered bone marrow
transplants for boys like Evan. A double cord transplant from two unidentified
donors was a success and it seemed Evan would recover. Unfortunately,
post-transplant infection took his life on the eve of his and his twin sister’s
tenth birthday.
Through
Evan’s ordeal, I am reminded that life is fragile and fleeting, and that
tragedy does not discriminate against young or old, rich or poor. We are all
susceptible. The silver lining on this very dark cloud is the lesson I learned
in giving. I can give blood, I can give bone marrow, and I can be a hero to
someone in need. We all feel inclined to help our family and friends, but Evan
has influenced me to look past my immediate relationships and recognize my
potential to affect the lives of complete strangers.
Everyone
has the potential to be a hero. Nine year old Evan showed me the way. How will
you be a hero?