How to live a short life fully, and dying with a smile on your face.

My heart goes out to all of you who are living with cancer, or who have a relative who has cancer.

My brother, who recently lost his 6-year old grandson to osteosarcoma, told me that the child died with a smile on his face. I hope that you will be inspired by what my niece wrote on a website to raise funds for cancer research

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"Declan Timothy Hencken was born on August 17, 2019. The youngest of four, Declan was a bright and boundless spirit who loved his family, his friends, and truly all people and living creatures. He had a special affection for cats and capybaras, and a natural way of making others feel seen and included. Declan’s joy was contagious—he loved telling jokes, laughing, and making other people laugh. Whether he was riding his scooter, running as fast as he could, swimming, hiking, or playing basketball and baseball, he moved through the world with energy and enthusiasm. Declan enjoyed the great outdoors and never turned down a trip to the beach, mountains or desert. He found just as much happiness in quieter moments—playing card games like pusoy, mastering Minecraft and Roblox, watching YouTube videos, breakdancing, drawing, and most of all, being with his family.

Declan’s life was defined not only by what he loved, but by who he was. He was resilient, courageous, and deeply determined, with a kindness and empathy that far exceeded his years. He was curious and adventurous, generous with his love, and remarkably strong in both body and spirit. Some of his final words—“I love my life! I love everything!”—captured him perfectly. Even in the hardest moments, Declan chose joy, gratitude, and connection, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at just four years old, Declan endured two years and four months of intense treatment, including toxic chemotherapies, major surgeries including a rotationplasty on his right leg, and countless pokes and procedures. He also endured many difficult side effects, yet through it all, Declan never complained or resisted. He never felt sorry for himself or questioned the fairness of what he was facing. Instead, he persevered with quiet strength and unwavering belief in himself. Even when he was unable to walk for over nine months, he adapted with determination—mastering his walker, scooting swiftly, and maneuvering his wheelchair with remarkable speed. When he received his prosthetic leg, he was walking independently within days and hiking within a week, eager to return to the adventures he loved.

Declan dreamed big and never allowed cancer to get in the way of his living. He imagined himself becoming a strong and fast athlete, a famous YouTuber, or even an FBI agent. He wanted to explore the world and grow up to be a dad, an uncle, and a grandpa. Near the end of his life, after undergoing a lobectomy and two craniotomies in just 18 days, he came home and said he wanted to put his leg on and start walking again so he could build up his stamina for one of his favorite hikes—the “lizard hike.” He was excited to get back to school to build leprechaun traps and go on the class field trip with his teachers and friends. Declan also thought often about others, praying especially for people with cancer and for everyone at the hospital.

Declan passed away from osteosarcoma on April 17, 2026 at just six years old. Although Declan’s life was short, it was by no means small. Declan made the most of every single day he was on this Earth. He loved deeply, he laughed often, and he never stopped believing in himself or in the goodness of the world. In his honor, we are raising funds through MIB Agents to support osteosarcoma research and families facing this disease—carrying forward the same courage, love, and hope that Declan shared so freely with the world."

Blessings,
George's Wife