Boy with cancer who inspired town's early Christmas passes away
A little boy with terminal cancer whose smile and can-do attitude inspired a town to celebrate Christmas early has passed away.
Seven-year-old Evan Leversage died Sunday morning, his family said. The news came more than a month after thousands of people flooded the streets of St. George, Ontario, to celebrate Christmas early after Evan's family learned he might not live to see the holiday he loved.
"I do feel empty and numb inside, nothing has ever compared to the pain of losing your own child. I feel lost without his laughter, and smiles," his mom, Nicole Wellwood, wrote when she shared the news of his death.
Wellwood then addressed Evan directly, telling him that she believes she will meet him in heaven and that his life had a profound impact on others.
"We were honored to be your parents," she said of herself and Evan's father. "You taught us so much, and we are very proud of the fight you endured to stay with us."
In October, an estimated 7,000 people turned out for a parade and Christmas festivities in Evan's honor.
PHOTOS: Town celebrates Christmas early for boy with terminal cancer
Shortly before the celebration, Wellwood told ABC of her son's attitude, "Nothing limits him. It's remarkable."
Evan will be remembered in services throughout the week so that everyone who rallied behind Evan for his early Christmas has the opportunity to attend, the family said in a press release.
In the Facebook post, Evan's mother also expressed gratitude for all the support the family has received, adding that she hopes his story will inspire others to cherish the time they have.
"Please know that the love everyone has showed has made this pain bearable for us as a family," she wrote. "Hold your children tight tonight."
Photos used with permission of Nicole Wellwood and Ev Scott. See more on Scott's Facebook page.
