The Legacy of Connor Cruse by Joy Cruse
March 15, 2010
My son, Connor Cruse, passed away last summer, after his valiant 4 year battle with Neuroblastoma cancer. He was 8 years old. He was the bravest, strongest, faithful man I know. I say “man” because his maturity went way beyond his 8 years. His smile was infectious and he had a love that was irrepressible. His love overflowed and he passed on love to others as easily as he breathed. He was my hero!
I’ve seen many adults take on this beast called cancer, and it is a horrific battle. To watch a child go through the same battle is heart- wrenching. As a mother, you want to protect your child from the storms of life, from pain and suffering. When the diagnosis of “cancer” is introduced to your child, feelings of helplessness overcome you. What can we really do to help our children fight this beast? We love them, support them, hold their hand in the difficult moments and pray.
For my husband and myself, this was not enough. We had to enlarge our campaign, and our support. In order to help Connor, we had to do what we could to help find better treatments, to ultimately find a cure. We started TeamConnor in 2007. It’s a non-profit organization that raises funds for research and awareness for pediatric cancer. We also help support families who are fighting childhood cancer.
After viewing the movie, Letters to God, I saw many parallels between Tyler and my son, Connor. Both were valiant fighters and warriors for God. During their own personal fight, their actions often pointed to God. Their lives pointed to God. Their stories resonated with thousands of people. Lives were touched, people were changed! The conversations and frustrations felt by Tyler and his family were so REAL! I felt as though I were reading my own journal. There was a point when Tyler told his mother that God chose her to be his mother. I just started crying. It was as if Connor was on the big screen talking straight to me. The movie is a raw and honest story that shows how courage, strength and a faithful spirit are beautiful. It shows how a young boy can impact so many by just being faithful. I’m so excited that this movie will give people a glimpse of what these families face on a daily basis.
It costs about $2,500 for one child to participate in a clinical trial. TeamConnor is buying out a theater showing Letters to God to raise awareness and raise funds for childhood cancer. If just 100 people take 90 minutes out of their weekend, April 9, 10 or 11, to see Letters to God we can give a child the opportunity to get treatment that may save his or her life. See a movie, save a life!
TeamConor like other organizations, churches and individuals are going that extra mile to get the message of Letters to God out into their community. Investigate here how you or your group can buy out a theater and get the message of hope out in your community!
