My younger brother was a driven, passionate, inspired, stubborn, kind, and undeniably strong man until his very last breath.

Tony lived a full and happy life despite his cancer, of which he’d been fighting for the last decade of his short life. His was a son, a brother, cousin, nephew, and friend, who’s love of life was contagious and palpable. He loved to see the world, was fascinated by the concept of time, and had a childlike heart that never waned.

In the last year of his life, Tony underwent clinical trial treatments in order for more studies to be done to help cure this awful disease. It broke his heart going in for his treatments and seeing others suffer with what he’d been struggling with, children, especially. He’d often call me after his treatments, were he not too exhausted, to express his frustration and heartbreak.

Tony was an empathetic and loving human, and I feel a profound sense of loss each and every day that passes without him. He was a constant in my life, and up until his passing, I didn’t know this world without him. I miss him dearly, and hope to continue to find new ways to honour him as the years pass.