In memory of Aidan Duver, who recently passed after courageously battling Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor.
Our beloved and beautiful son and brother AIDAN DUVER died Wednesday, May 24th, at just 18 years old after a nearly two-year battle with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. It is very hard to believe it has been almost two years since we first learned the news of Aidan’s cancer diagnosis in August of 2021. Aidan truly lived every minute of these last years, passionately and courageously, continuing to share his incredible gifts with us. He frequently commented on how as part of his battle he wanted to help others who would face this terrible disease. He participated in every study available so that doctors and researchers could continue to make advances.
Aidan lived is life pursuing his passion for acting, planning to attend Ithaca College seeking a BFA in Acting. He was actively involved in charitable efforts beginning with starring in a professional run of “IT’S EASY!”, an anti-bullying musical, in 2017. Aidan was peer-elected to be Chair of our Teen Kindness Board for the Be A Friend Project in August of 2022. He was integral in guiding the programming of this “kids for kids” (as he called it) organization. Aidan was admired by his peers for his calm and caring leadership that will continue to inspire us all for the rest of our lives. In the midst of apparent chemo, radiation and surgical treatments, he did not hide away from the spotlight. Aidan took the stage and accepted challenges regardless because he believed he could still make a difference and change the world.
In his college essay titled “Living Through The Impossible” about the day he found out he had cancer, Aidan wrote “I’ve learned that kindness and love are so powerful. Just a smile exchanged with someone on the elevator lightens the load a little.” Aidan wanted to ensure that his battle was only the beginning in fighting this horrific disease. We want to continue Aidan’s legacy by supporting research on the path to a cure.
The pain and sorrow we feel at Aidan’s loss is directly equal to the depth of the love we shared. We wish to spread Aidan’s love to those who will face similar challenges in the future.
