Goodbye Miles Levin
Miles Levin, who became famous when his blog became an inspiration to million of cancer sufferers and their families, died this morning. He was 18 years old.
Miles suffered from Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that causes cells to run amok in bones, muscles, connective tissues and tendons. His cancer was diagnosed as terminal from the start, something that would have shot a young teenager into despair. But Miles used writing as a way to cope with his illness, deal with his struggles, educate others, soothe his fear and that of his family, and create awareness of what it is like to fight cancer.
Miles was an inspiration to the thousands that watched him grow up through this disease and becoming more wise and content with each passing day. Through the chemotherapy and sickness, he managed to find some laughter, some hope, and a great perspective on his life. During his high school commencement, Miles told his graduating class, “I can rest assured that even if I succumb to the rogue cells I will leave behind a legacy of victory. Dying is not what scares me. It’s dying and having had no impact.”
You can read more on Miles and his blog on http://www.carepages.com/ (register and then search for LevinStory). The site is very heavily trafficked. You can also read more on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 site.