In Loving Memory of Zoë Faye Young

Often when we share a story about a young soul fighting for their life, we are happy to share positive outcomes or, at the very least, a story that is prolonged enough to bring some satisfaction or joy to our hearts. Today, this is not the case. Yesterday afternoon, Zoë Faye Young passed away from a malignant rhabdoid tumor at only five months of age, after battling for her life since December. When her tumor returned, her parents Laura and Zeppo were faced with the heart-wrenching choice of whether or not to challenge Zoë with more chemo treatments and hospital stays, knowing the cancer was too aggressive to beat, or to bring her home and succumb to the illness in privacy and peace. Laura and Zeppo chose to take their baby home and lay with her in their bed. And only four days after the horrible news that her cancer was back and ravaging her tiny body, Zoë passed away surrounded by the love of her two parents, to the comforting sounds of their voices and their gentle touch upon her head, in the warmth and joy of her own home.

Laura's friend Mary expressed the importance of snow in the short life of Zoë, sharing that Laura felt that the snow was somehow connected to Zoë. During every major event in Zoë's five months on earth, there seemed to be a snow storm. From a week after her October 22nd birth until the final ride to her home just a few days ago, snow seemed to appear during an otherwise mild winter only when Zoë was reaching a milestone: a week old, a chilling diagnosis, a difficult surgery (sleet), and finally, at long last, going home. Perhaps now when a gentle snow falls, we will all take a moment to think of Zoë, and pray for strength for those who have to miss her sweet face...

Because few of us can imagine what this family is going through. Laura and Zeppo have been, and continue to be, the most dedicated parents that any child could have dreamed of. Their love for Zoë was simple and clear. Their time and energy for Zoë consumed their existence, and even as life had to push on as though nothing dark loomed ahead, it was obvious that every breath they breathed was followed by a thought of Zoë. Through their daughter's painful and difficult battle, Laura and Zeppo surrounded themselves with the love, prayer, and generosity of others, and have continued to be thankful for all the outpourings of support. Let it never be underestimated the effect a kind word of love and encouragement can have on someone who is forced to be strong through something that seems so unbearable.

Mary stated that the other day, the song This Little Light of Mine came into her head out of nowhere and, that same day, Zoë's mother wrote that Zoë was the brightest light. In honor of the light and joy that Zoë brought to those who loved her, Mary has asked to share the lyrics to the first two verses (the two she suddenly thought of) in this blog for Zoë and her family:

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Laura and Zeppo have asked that if you wish to honor Zoë, you release a balloon or several in her honor. They request that, if possible, photos of the release be sent to them. Additionally, if you do release balloons, please attach a note in a plastic bag (to protect it from the weather) that asks people to visit the website http://www.teamzoecancersucks.com/ so that more people can find out about Zoë's battle and learn about this rare and horrible form of cancer.

To connect with Zoë's family and find out more about the balloon launch and other important events, please visit her website and Facebook.

If you wish to purchase a Team Zoë: Cancer Sucks bracelet or pendant, please click here. All proceeds from the purchase of these bracelets and pendants will be donated directly to the family to help with expenses during this difficult time.

Please feel free to comment below and share words of love, support, and encouragement to those affected by this profound loss.