Human Hero

Lawrence is a 14-year-old young man who loves all things Pokémon, solving mind puzzles, and playing Fortnite.

He was diagnosed in 2016, at the age of 5 with a “high-risk” case of Leukemia that required more intensive steroids, chemotherapies, and other medications than the average patient. For three and a half years, he endured intense physical and mental side-effects of these drugs and frequently lived in the hospital. Thank God, he made it through his treatment and was officially declared “cancer free” in 2023!

In his hospital home-away-from-home, Lawrence suffered in ways that few suffer at any age. He went days without eating and experienced chronic pain, severe depression, sleeplessness and could not attend school. Worst of all, he grew close to one friend who would later die in the room next to his.

Suffering was NOT to be the last word or even the last chapter of Lawrence’s earthly life. He and we have been changed for the better. Our Lord used Lawrence’s pain as a chisel, shaping him and our family into the disciples of Christ we have been called to be. Lawrence grew empathetic and caring; he learned to spot suffering in others and console them. He became a good friend, a good brother, and a good son. His trials brought to light the best and worst in us. They allowed us to see we were adaptable and strong, yet parts of us were still weak, suffering or broken. We grew in humility and worked to heal.

Lawrence’s cancer revealed a wonderful truth; no discomfort, trial, or evil (great or small) can have the last say unless we allow it. In Christ, we have the power to create more beauty within ourselves and without than there was before. Praise God!