Kevin Garrity Memorial Bench

Hearing a diagnosis of Cancer (more specifically, Colorectal Cancer) would be devastating and shocking to anyone. But, “shocked” could not even begin to convey the feeling at hearing that news as an otherwise healthy 24 year old. Kevin Garrity heard those words in May, 2012, got over the shock, accepted the news, and fought back against cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation in preparation for surgery later that year. He then underwent more chemo and more surgery, and was cleared of cancer. Unfortunately, in 2014 a scan showed that the colorectal cancer had metastasized in his lungs and was not treatable with surgery or radiation. It subsequently spread to his brain and spine. Kevin never gave up, never laid down. He continued to live Life on his terms, as much as he could. After Hospice Care at home in Milwaukee, Kevin passed away peacefully on January 7, 2016.  Kevin grew up in Bloomingdale/Roselle/Addison, IL and moved to Milwaukee when he started Marquette University. Kevin didn't finish at Marquette, but fell in love with Milwaukee and it became home for him. Kevin and his brother Pat - The Garrity Boys - made their presence known in MKE, working in the service industry and embracing the unique lifestyle that entails. Kevin's Milwaukee friends became his Milwaukee family. As Kevin's family, (I'm his Aunt for those of you who don't know me) we would like to give something back to Milwaukee in Kevin's memory - a place to honor him, remember him, celebrate him. Our plan is to have a bench placed in Pere Marquette Park, near where Kevin lived in Milwaukee, with a plate engraved with Kevin's name. It would be our own little Kevin's Corner right in downtown Milwaukee. We will be raising the funds for the bench, and having a little dedication ceremony after it has been installed. The cost is approximately $2000-$3000. Any funds we collect over the actual cost of the bench will be donated to a Colorectal Cancer Support group. If you'd like to be a part of this special memorial, donate here or you can mail a donation to Loftus Law Office, 1001 W. Lake St., Addison, IL  60101. If you haven't already, please join our Facebrook Group - In Kevin's Corner. It was started to provide updates on Kevin's fight, and is now a page to keep up with events we have in Kevin's memory.