One year ago, our sweet Angel was called home unexpectedly, on November 4, 2022 at 4:14 PM. He had just turned 12 years old.
Even in death, Anthony continued to make a difference by donating his organs to Gift of Life. His heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and pancreas were all used to save lives.
Anyone who knew Anthony, fell in love with his smile and heart. He showed love and compassion daily for others. If he saw you needed a friend, he was the first one to lift you up. He adored Jesus, his family, twin siblings, friends, teammates, baseball, dinosaurs, soccer, and school. He loved a good competition and enjoyed chess and all kinds of card/board games. He never let an opportunity pass to tell people how much he loved them. He constantly put others first and made it his mission for you to feel loved and cared about in his presence. His favorite holiday was Christmas and once continuous Christmas music began, it would blast from his bedroom 24/7. The light my son’s spirit emitted made this world brighter.
We laid our sweet boy to rest on November 14th 2022. Since then, we have made a vow as a family to keep his memory alive through acts of service. Giving back to others is how we will keep Anthony’s light lit and shining bright. A legacy is etched into the minds of others through the stories they share about you. Our hope is to have Anthony’s story and example be one that will impact the hearts of others for years to come.
Learning to live this life without Anthony has been extremely painful and difficult. We have found pockets of joy in our grief through good deeds and kindness. We will keep Anthony’s light lit by focusing on making a difference in his name.
Anthony had such a caring and thoughtful way about him, that it inspired the name of his memorial/charity, Anthony’s Way Memorial.
3️⃣ There are three areas of focus that will benefit from his memorial. All were a major part of Anthony's life up until the very end.
5th Floor Children's Unit at Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital***
The 5th floor children’s unit at Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital will always hold a special place in our hearts. The doctors, nurses, and staff were and continue to be some of the most compassionate and special people our family has ever encountered. Many days and nights have been spent there between Gabriel’s Type 1 diagnosis, most recently, Taylor’s Type 1 diagnosis, and during the last week of Anthony’s life. We want to pay it forward by continuing to provide support for the staff and patients. During this past holiday season, there was a toy drive in Anthony’s honor. The funds raised were used to purchase items/toys off of Child Life’s Wish List and will be delivered during the month of February and March. My children found so much comfort in the toys and blankets that were provided during their stays and this is just one way we are choosing to pay it forward. With generous people from surrounding communities and continued support, we will continue to be making donations to this unit in memory of Anthony for years to come.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF)***
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) is the leading global organization, harnessing the power of research, advocacy, and community engagement to advance life-changing breakthroughs for type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Type 1 diabetes has affected our family with both of Anthony’s younger siblings being diagnosed. During his life, Anthony was such a caregiver to his siblings, especially when it came to their health and safety. He was supportive and educated himself to learn all he could about the disease. He was the perfect role model and an amazing older brother. Gabriel and Taylor will live with this disease their entire lives, with the guidance of their guardian angel, Anthony. Our family will take a portion of the donations and provide support to JDRF research, with hopes that a cure will one day be found.
Anthony’s Memorial Scholarship Fund***
Anthony always brought his “A-Game” when it came to his education and life. With both his father and I being educators, Anthony knew the importance of learning and strived to be successful. He enjoyed school, made the most of every day, and was a role model student. He constantly supported his peers and cheered others on.
A portion of the money raised will be used for a scholarship fund to help students attend college or engage in a trade of their choice. Students chosen for this scholarship are ones who exemplify the character traits that were so adoringly admired in Anthony. Our goal is to give away multiple scholarships, up to and beyond the year Anthony himself would have graduated. The application process will be shared every Spring.
Anthony will forever be our hero on Earth and our Angel in heaven. From heaven, he will continually inspire us to bring our “A-Game” daily and to be a light for others.
With his memorial charity fund, we hope to spread awareness that even after death, you can still impact the lives of others.
Please continue to share his story and this link with others. His legacy has created ripples that have touched thousands, and it is our mission to use that movement for good.
We can keep Anthony alive in the kind acts we do for one another. Our purpose is to give back to the community that has so graciously walked this journey with us. Every donation, no matter how small or large, is appreciated and will be put to good use.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping to keep Anthony’s memory alive. God Bless you all.