I have sat and sat and sat looking over these images, trying to find just the right words to write for this blog post, but nothing would come. I have so much I want to say but none of it sounds right. I type, I backspace and delete.
I believe just telling Devin’s story is the best way.
Devin entered my world when he was a teenager and took my high school art class. When I say that Devin lights up a room with his smile and twinkle in his eye, I am not exaggerating. Devin’s smile and laughter is infectious. He became one of those students who you will never forget. They are the type of kid that makes you proud to be a teacher. They touch your soul in a way that leaves you different and better for it.
Fast forward to 8 years. I am sitting at a table with Devin’s fiance Shay and his mother Julie going over wedding paperwork for me to photograph Devin and Shay’s big day. At one point during our conversation, Julie takes a deep breath and says to me, “Now do you know the situation we are dealing with?” What she told me left me speechless.
“Devin’s brain cancer has come back.”
This is Devin’s story:
On October 5th 2010 at 6:30am Devin suffered a Grand Mal seizure. Doctor’s took him into surgery that day where a
biopsy of the tumor was taken. Devin was in an induced coma for two days
because he continued to have multiple seizures. The biopsy results showed that
a stage 2 tumor, which was the size of a golf ball had developed.
biopsy of the tumor was taken. Devin was in an induced coma for two days
because he continued to have multiple seizures. The biopsy results showed that
a stage 2 tumor, which was the size of a golf ball had developed.
The doctors determined that Devin would need
another surgery to remove the tumor. The type of operation required Devin to remain awake throughout. On November 2, 2010 the tumor was
located and removed out of the left frontal lobe. If the tumor is near the
parts of your brain which control vision, movement, or speech, you need to
be awake during surgery.
another surgery to remove the tumor. The type of operation required Devin to remain awake throughout. On November 2, 2010 the tumor was
located and removed out of the left frontal lobe. If the tumor is near the
parts of your brain which control vision, movement, or speech, you need to
be awake during surgery.
June 2011.
Devin sufferes another Grand Mal seizure. The tumor had returned. Devin underwent his third
surgery. The surgery was successful and they
removed 98% of the regrown tumor. Devin’s tumor was sent to UCLA Medical Center for
a biopsy. The tumor had regrown into
Stage 4 Glioblastoma (the deadliest Brain Tumor) with a prognosis of 12-18 months.
surgery. The surgery was successful and they
removed 98% of the regrown tumor. Devin’s tumor was sent to UCLA Medical Center for
a biopsy. The tumor had regrown into
Stage 4 Glioblastoma (the deadliest Brain Tumor) with a prognosis of 12-18 months.
Devin underwent 6 weeks of radiation, and two
years of Chemotherapy. During this time Devin was able to resume all his daily activities: work, motorcycle riding, BMX riding and snowboarding. On November 18, 2011 Devin was able to enjoy the birth of his first Daughter, Makayla Fox Wilhelm.
years of Chemotherapy. During this time Devin was able to resume all his daily activities: work, motorcycle riding, BMX riding and snowboarding. On November 18, 2011 Devin was able to enjoy the birth of his first Daughter, Makayla Fox Wilhelm.
In October 2013 Devin stopped Chemotherapy due to clear MRI scans every two months since June 2011. October 2014, the tumor was discovered on an MRI and it was growing back in the same area. Added to this, a new area appeared at the back of the brain, near his vision. This area of the brain is inoperable. Devin was scheduled for surgery #4 to remove the tumor in the left, frontal area. The inoperable area would be treated with Cyber Knife two weeks after that surgery.
I’ve asked Shay and Julie what I can do for Devin and the family.
There response is always the same
“Pray…….and keeping smiling! Choose joy everyday and hang on to those good days.”
Every September, the
F*Cancer, Team Devin (over 100 team members) participates in the Brain Tumor
Walk at Angel Stadium. So far, that team has raised over $10,000 towards
finding a CURE for Brain Cancer.
F*Cancer, Team Devin (over 100 team members) participates in the Brain Tumor
Walk at Angel Stadium. So far, that team has raised over $10,000 towards
finding a CURE for Brain Cancer.
You can follow their journey at Team Devin
September 2015
After nearly 5 years of Never Giving Up, Devin passed away peacefully in his sleep. The following images where taken from a beautiful candlelight vigil that took place in his honor. My heart and love goes out to their family. I love all of you!
