drew - Page: 1 of 1

There are many people who have admitted feeling the presence of angels guarding and protecting them. But for most, angels are swept into the realm of religion, never to be experienced. To me, they are like secret friends watching over us, bringing light and love into our lives. They are always trying to reach us through our good thoughts, inspirations, and warm feelings. For me an angel is someone who helps you believe in miracles and raises your spirit. I have been very blessed to have several angels touch my life … one in particular, my son Drew.

Most 5-year olds love Sesame Street, Barney and the Wiggles. Drew loved music, the piano, and Anthony Kearns. He began playing the piano when he was three years old; it was like pulling teeth to get him to stop practicing. Drew did not just love the piano; he lived to play. To watch him at the piano was nothing short of amazing; how could someone so small create something so beautiful? I have no doubt that he would have been an outstanding pianist one day.

Drew's connection to Mr. Kearns began when I took him to an opera program Anthony was starring in, "The Irish Ring". Drew was almost two years old at the time and was absolutely spellbound with the music and Anthony. One year later, on St. Patrick's Day, Anthony captured him again when PBS aired the "Live from Belfast" performance. Drew insisted I get him the CD and he listened to it often throughout our day. Anthony's voice carried Drew through some of the toughest moments in his life; he just felt better when he could hear his voice or see his face. His greatest dream was to one day meet Anthony and the other members of the Irish Tenors.

In the spring of 2001 Drew was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. Thus began the long road ahead with several different surgeries and aggressive treatments. My husband and I were told his prognosis was not good, but we always had hope. This would not be the only obstacle Drew would face. In February 2003, when I was only a few weeks pregnant with Drew's younger brother, a drunk driver killed my husband. Even with all these changes, Drew kept his chin high and music became his sanctuary.

We had a glimmer of hope last spring. For the first time since he was diagnosed, Drew was cancer free. His baby brother was a bone marrow match, so we began to prepare for bone marrow transplants. By September, the transplants would have been complete and it would have been safe to travel. We made plans to see Anthony at one of his solo concerts in late September or early October. Obviously God had other plans for Drew. In early June, Drew relapsed; a mass was found in his orbital area. The cancer had already metastasized to other parts of his little body and there was nothing more the doctors could do for him. At that moment I decided to take Drew home and thanked the doctors for all their help and care they gave Drew over the past several years. Only four and a half weeks after I took him home, and after a long three-year battle with cancer, my brave little angel passed away on July 12, 2004.

As a result of the generous memorial gifts of my family, friends, church and community this past holiday season, Drew played an important role in helping young singers in Ireland pursue their dreams in music. The Anthony Kearns Music Fund has been a tremendous source of healing and has given me the opportunity to grant Drew a wish I could not give him in life. There are no words to express the happiness Mr. Kearns gave my son. Being able to give a little piece of Drew's spirit to "Encore!" has been a unique opportunity to "give back" to the man and the music that Drew loved so much.