No parent should ever have to face the heartbreak of losing a child. It is with heavy hearts that we share that the Cheryl, Jackson, Harry, Max and family have experienced an unimaginable loss. Their beloved Finnegan, passed away unexpectedly, leaving a void that words can hardly describe.

As they navigate this painful and overwhelming time, we want to surround them with love, compassion, and practical support. Nothing can ease the emotional weight of this tragedy, but we can help lighten the financial burdens they now face — including time away from work, counseling, and the day-to-day costs that become so difficult during grief.

Any contribution you can make — no matter how small — will make a meaningful difference. In addition to donations, we welcome you to share your own or your child’s favorite memories of Finnegan for the family to read and cherish. Finnegan was a true light in our community, the heart and soul of his family, and he will be deeply missed.

On behalf of the family, thank you for your compassion, your support, and your love during this heartbreaking time.

Finnegan's Story

In his ten precious years, Finnegan gave us more courage, joy, and connection than many people find in a lifetime. From the day he arrived—nearly three months early and weighing only 3 lbs 4 oz—he fought for every moment he had. At just 10 days old, a sudden bowel perforation and severe septic infection changed the course of his life forever. He survived a coma but sustained damage to his brain causing him to have Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, vision and hearing loss.

As he grew, life continued to place enormous challenges in his path. Finnegan developed significant hip dysplasia, with his left hip 80% out of its socket and the right following behind. Though major reconstructive surgeries are usually delayed until children are older and stronger, the orthopedic team felt early intervention was necessary to prevent full dislocation. It would mean multiple surgeries over the years — each one demanding a level of strength that few could imagine, yet strength he continuously found.

Despite everything he faced, Finnegan radiated a gentle, unmistakable light. His presence had a way of bringing people together, reminding us of compassion, connection, and the kind of love that stays long after someone is gone. He touched family, friends, caregivers, teachers, neighbours, and even people who only knew his story. The impact he made on hearts around him is deep, genuine, and lasting.

This fund has been created to support Finnegan’s family with memorial expenses and to ease the burden while they attempt to return to work as they move through this unimaginable loss. In addition, it will also help offset the many medical and surgical costs that were not covered by MSP over the years — costs carried quietly and bravely as they cared for him with everything they had. Any contribution big or small means more than words can express.

In the most beautiful way, Finnegan and his loving, supportive caregiver and best friend Maria (his eyes, his ears and hands) found a simple gesture that connected him to the world - “fist bumps”. With Maria’s help, he began gifting these little moments of joy to everyone he met. Soon, it became the way his classmates, friends and community greeted him each day—an unspoken language of friendship, courage, and pure love.

Thank you for standing with Jackson, Cheryl, Harry, Max and family to remember his light, and for helping honour a little boy who has forever changed so many lives simply by being Finny.