To the bravest young man I know
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
By: Sarah Dier-McComb

Brendan Rourke, one of my greatest friends forever.

One of my best friends Brendan Rourke was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in the February of grade 12 (2011) even though he previously appeared to be perfectly healthy. His only symptom really was hip sourness after playing some sports, but this was ignored for some time. When diagnosed, it shocked our friend group and no one knew what to do or what to say.

But Brendan had not changed, and his optima for the future got us through and we have had many laughing good times the past few years. He went through everything to try and beat it. Chemo, Radiation, and whenever he could he was out of the house. Brendan's dad would say he was too busy living to worry about dying :)

In his last months, Brendan was able to go jet skiing, spend Thanksgiving with family and friends, see his favourite bands, and went to France for nearly a month in November with his girlfriend... and 19 years old, Bren passed away the New Years Eve of 2013.

People tell us it’s ok he had a short life; because he was so loved. There was over a hundred car procession, and everyone else pulled over.

But we still wish he were here.