Daniel Calvin Passed at Age 15...Please help
Daniel Calvin transitioned to heaven on March 12th, 2019 at the age of 15. The physical loss of Daniel and the costs incurred after his death have drained both the spirit and the bank account of his mother, a single parent. You can help reduce the financial burden of Daniel’s passing.
Most of the facts about Daniel’s illness were not made public out of respect for Daniel. But his story needs to be told.
Daniel was a living example of courage, faith and the acceptance of God’s will in the face of extreme adversity.
When Daniel was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2015, Daniel’s mother, Richelle Calvin, closed her successful small business and moved Daniel and his brother from Anchorage to Seattle. There, Daniel endured months of torture and unsuccessful cancer treatments.
At the conclusion of those treatments, the medical professionals suggested removing Daniel’s left eye to slow down the cancer. There was no cure, but the doctors offered to “try.”
Daniel and his family were at a crossroads. They chose the road less traveled: Acceptance.
Daniel’s response to the proposed treatment was crystal clear, he said: “I don’t want my eye removed! I’m a straight A student. I miss school. I want to go home and I want to play basketball!” Richelle’s response was equally direct: “My son is not an experiment. We will put our trust in God.”
The family returned to Anchorage where Daniel’s local doctors could monitor and assist with managing his disease. Richelle re-opened her business, Daniel and his brother returned to school and together they began one of the most difficult journeys a family could take.
Surprisingly, Daniel had two and a half great years. He went back to school, the basketball court and his church with the same zest for life he had before his diagnosis. He made the Honor Roll, the basketball team, and was accepted into two youth engineering programs. He won awards as an MVP, All Star and Player of the Game. He worked toward his goal to become an NBA player.
Daniel’s request to the Make-A-Wish Foundation reflected his faith. He asked to go to The Holy Land. Make-A-Wish sent him and his family to the Holy Land experience in Orlando, where they also visited Walt Disney World and attended an NBA basketball game. The UAA Seawolves held “Daniel Calvin Night” where Daniel suited up with the team. Daniel won a contest for a weekend at Big Lake for his mother, brother and two friends. Guess which two friends Daniel invited? His two grandmothers!
Daniel showed everyone around him how to face life’s biggest challenges. His faith in God and God’s plan never failed him. Never once did he complain about the cards life had handed him....instead he found the strength to comfort others as they dealt with his illness and the horrible unfairness of it all.
One night when his mother was in her bed crying, feeling that she was the worst mother in the world for not protecting Daniel...Daniel climbed up next to her, put his arm around her and said: “Mom it’s not your fault. I couldn’t ask for a better parent.” Such strength is rarely seen in an adult.
Daniel showed those around him how to accept all of life. He lived his conviction, believing that God knew the reasons why.
Daniel was a teacher. He taught both enthusiasm and respect for life. He taught others how to accept the worst of circumstances and still believe in the reason for being. Daniel was wiser than his years....a teacher to all as he faced a horrific end to a fully lived and loved life.
Daniel’s acceptance of life was an amazing example. Those blessed to know him had their own lives and perceptions changed. Daniel showed us and the medical community there are choices and that life is to be lived, accepted and cherished. How very lucky we were to have him on this planet for 15 years!
Daniel Calvin proved that it is not the length of life but the depth of life that matters. Please make a donation today in recognition of Daniel and the astounding life he lived!