Speakers

I am not doing my recap in the exact order that the speeches were given, but I thought it would be really nice to share what people shared.
We had a handful of speakers talk about our beautiful boy.

Here was my mom's talk.  Stephanie Cady, Grandma to Hans.


When I think about Hans 3 words come to mind: Trust, Courage and Love.


Trust fortified him.
Hans trusted his family.
US News and World Report recently ranked the best pediatric cancer treatment hospitals. This year 4 of the top 7 hospitals were hospitals where Hans had been treated.
Hans’ trust in his family made his treatment the best possible.


Courage transformed him.
Just a day or two, after his diagnosis, I literally witnessed in his eyes a transformation: Hans went from being a carefree, curly headed toddler, to a determined and ferocious 3 yr old Neuroblastoma warrior. He kept his resolve to fight his battle with enormous courage throughout the rest of his life.
He listened to his doctors and innately knew which were the most dedicated to finding a way to stop his disease, and then he got to work!
Hans did everything they asked of him. He committed himself, mind and body to each treatment. This was the only way he could help them.
He understood that wherever his parents took him it was up to him to bravely endure each treatment in a heroic effort to defeat his disease. He faced each with great courage. Because he knew how important each was.
Early on one doctor at TCH described Hans as a philosopher. At the age of 3, some of his doctors realized how deeply he thought about everything and that this allowed him to lived with great clarity and single mindedness.
He understood the battle he was up against, but never gave into it – with the help of his family. His courage helped them to seek out new and promising treatments. When I first started learning about neuroblastoma the 5 year survival rate was only 35%: and Hans earned his place as he bravely fought it for 2,160 days. The current survival rate of 5 years is now 60%. I believe Hans played a big part in that.


Love surrounded Hans. Hans loved life.
Love enveloped Hans his entire life. He loved Elle - who treated him just like a little brother should be treated! But she was also always ready to give an extra measure when-ever it was needed.
He loved his mom and dad fiercely and realized what a perfect “love fit” they all were.


Hans lived joyfully! I will always remember his laughter, like when he would watch “King of the Hill” and laugh and make a comment on how humans handle real world problems; and how he would laugh at really silly jokes and sometimes just act all goofy.
I will always remember the excitement Hans got from discovering new things.
How to ride a bike, throw the ball for Honey, play a new video game, swim, dance, snorkel, make jam or pizza, shoot off Roman candles, build a 3,500 piece Lego, and thousands of other things.


I will always remember Hans and the joy he gave me. I will remember him for the trust, courage and love that was so evident in his short life.


Thanks Mom!  Hans loved you too.