Ares Bear Seaton came into this world on June 15, 2015, his arrival was greatly anticipated by his family who were eager to meet him. Before his birth he chose to fight, to live, and to enter this world despite the battle ahead. He had many odds against him but throughout his life he would show his strength, his bravery, and his courage. When Ares was born he was unable to swallow, he had poor muscle tone, and he slept all the time. On the fourth day of his life his parents finally choose his name “Ares”. The name Ares is from the Greek God of War. In Greek mythology Ares was known for his physical ferocious fight at battle. The literal translation for Ares meant “battle”. The bear was given to the Towering house people in the Navajo culture for protection and to be used as a guardian for his people as long as they were on Earth. It was fitting for our beautiful brave son Ares Bear. He spent most of his early days sleeping and cuddling with his family. He spent 32 days in the special care nursery with loving nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers who aided him in his fight. There were moments where physician’s believed that he would not make it into this world or even to his first birthday. But he continued to prove that he would be okay
He lived for 19 months and 2 days, within those 19 months he underwent many doctor’s visits, surgery, MRI’s, ultrasounds, swallow evals, genetic testing, long hospital stays, therapy sessions, and long drives to every specialist. His days were spent with his mother and siblings who showered him with love and affection. He was always surrounded by the love and the support of his family and many healthcare providers. He inspired and touched the lives of all those who were fortunate enough to meet him. Each day he fought and struggled through daily tasks that we may take for granted. But he never gave up and he gave this world all he had. He passed away in his sleep in his mother’s arms on January 17, 2017. We hope his story continues to inspire and bless all those who hear of his legacy.
Ares was so fortunate to have so many people in his life to help him through his journey. I would like to take a moment to recognize Vicki Burton and the Shadows Foundation Team. At a time where I was weighing the options of working two jobs or spending time with Ares they took that burden and aided us in any way they could. Giving us gas cards to get to appointments and helping pay for utilities when money was tight they always gave us the opportunity to spend quality time with our precious Ares. I will forever be grateful for Vicki and the generosity that she and Ares brought into our lives.
To my brother’s Kameron, Corey, Casey, Brett and Elijah thank you for always standing by my side and being the best Uncle’s in the world. Kameron thank you for helping me with Ares and being his father, for holding him throughout the night, and for helping him through moments he didn’t feel well. To my coworkers at Flagstaff Medical Center and Tuba City Healthcare Corporation, thank you for being my family away from home and for supporting me and my family through every moment that has been challenging in the last two years. To Ares home therapist Sara, Carrie, Allie and AZDDD thank you for being in my son’s life and helping him in any way you could. To Allie Cole, Ares home nurse, thank you for always loving and cuddling our sweet boy. To Dr. Amy Deleva thank you for always believing in Ares and being so kind and supportive to all his needs. To Dr. Wesche, Dr. Tritle, Dr. Veenstra, Dr. Dunn, Dr. Souders, Dr. Cortes, Dr. Johnsen, Dr. Ingibo, Children’s Health Center, Dr. Wilkis and the Emergency Department, Dr. Melynchuk, FMC Special Care Nursery, FMC Pediatrics, Kayenta Emergency Room, Tuba City Emergency Room, Rebecca (Speech Therapy), Carlos, Brian, Greg, Patricia / FMC Respiratory Therapy, Shannon and Joy Special Care Nurses, Guardian Transport, Sacred Mountain, Classic Air and the Flagstaff Police Department, Thank You all for your help in some of the most difficult times and giving my son the best you had. And please know you will always hold a place in my heart for the care you gave my son. Finally to my mother, my family, my friends, Elder Anderson, Elder Quaresma, Bishop Tibbs, and LDS Switzer Canyon Ward thank you for lifting me up and always praying for my family. To everyone who has donated in my son’s honor and all those I did not include thank you so much for your generosity from the bottom of my heart.
To my sweet love Ares, Thank you for choosing me to be your mother, thank you for entering my life and giving me the greatest honor I will ever hold. Thank you for being the man I have always dreamed of, thank you for loving me, thank you for teaching me about unconditional love, courage, and bravery. You were my heaven on earth, thank you for restoring my faith, my sweet brave son I love you for eternity.
He lived for 19 months and 2 days, within those 19 months he underwent many doctor’s visits, surgery, MRI’s, ultrasounds, swallow evals, genetic testing, long hospital stays, therapy sessions, and long drives to every specialist. His days were spent with his mother and siblings who showered him with love and affection. He was always surrounded by the love and the support of his family and many healthcare providers. He inspired and touched the lives of all those who were fortunate enough to meet him. Each day he fought and struggled through daily tasks that we may take for granted. But he never gave up and he gave this world all he had. He passed away in his sleep in his mother’s arms on January 17, 2017. We hope his story continues to inspire and bless all those who hear of his legacy.
Ares was so fortunate to have so many people in his life to help him through his journey. I would like to take a moment to recognize Vicki Burton and the Shadows Foundation Team. At a time where I was weighing the options of working two jobs or spending time with Ares they took that burden and aided us in any way they could. Giving us gas cards to get to appointments and helping pay for utilities when money was tight they always gave us the opportunity to spend quality time with our precious Ares. I will forever be grateful for Vicki and the generosity that she and Ares brought into our lives.
To my brother’s Kameron, Corey, Casey, Brett and Elijah thank you for always standing by my side and being the best Uncle’s in the world. Kameron thank you for helping me with Ares and being his father, for holding him throughout the night, and for helping him through moments he didn’t feel well. To my coworkers at Flagstaff Medical Center and Tuba City Healthcare Corporation, thank you for being my family away from home and for supporting me and my family through every moment that has been challenging in the last two years. To Ares home therapist Sara, Carrie, Allie and AZDDD thank you for being in my son’s life and helping him in any way you could. To Allie Cole, Ares home nurse, thank you for always loving and cuddling our sweet boy. To Dr. Amy Deleva thank you for always believing in Ares and being so kind and supportive to all his needs. To Dr. Wesche, Dr. Tritle, Dr. Veenstra, Dr. Dunn, Dr. Souders, Dr. Cortes, Dr. Johnsen, Dr. Ingibo, Children’s Health Center, Dr. Wilkis and the Emergency Department, Dr. Melynchuk, FMC Special Care Nursery, FMC Pediatrics, Kayenta Emergency Room, Tuba City Emergency Room, Rebecca (Speech Therapy), Carlos, Brian, Greg, Patricia / FMC Respiratory Therapy, Shannon and Joy Special Care Nurses, Guardian Transport, Sacred Mountain, Classic Air and the Flagstaff Police Department, Thank You all for your help in some of the most difficult times and giving my son the best you had. And please know you will always hold a place in my heart for the care you gave my son. Finally to my mother, my family, my friends, Elder Anderson, Elder Quaresma, Bishop Tibbs, and LDS Switzer Canyon Ward thank you for lifting me up and always praying for my family. To everyone who has donated in my son’s honor and all those I did not include thank you so much for your generosity from the bottom of my heart.
To my sweet love Ares, Thank you for choosing me to be your mother, thank you for entering my life and giving me the greatest honor I will ever hold. Thank you for being the man I have always dreamed of, thank you for loving me, thank you for teaching me about unconditional love, courage, and bravery. You were my heaven on earth, thank you for restoring my faith, my sweet brave son I love you for eternity.