Day 9…Molly this is for you!
Molly…Today we rode 90 miles in frigid temperatures and hellacious headwinds. We were all bundled up with everything we packed for the trip and most of us were still cold. The effective temperature at our riding pace was 11° for the first few hours and the American flags decorating the country roads were absolutely pinned because of the 25 mile an hour winds! We decided to ride as a group today so no one would suffer through stiff winds on their own. We recognize that the suffering we put ourselves through today and over the last week does not measure to the pain and suffering that you and your fellow pediatric cancer patients have faced. I am humbled by your resilience. I am not sure I could fight as long as hard as you did, if it had any resemblance to the suffering that we’ve managed through over the last week.
Molly…I will tell you that outside of doing our best to ride in your honor, was when we visited Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. We met with the doctors doing research and clinical trials, which was an inspiring conversation. It’s obvious more research needs to be done. It’s obvious more money needs to be raised to fund that research. Great organizations like the big 10 cancer consortium, and its partnership with Cal’s Angels will eventually play a critical role in improving the outcomes of pediatric cancer.
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Molly…I will tell you that outside of doing our best to ride in your honor, was when we visited Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. We met with the doctors doing research and clinical trials, which was an inspiring conversation. It’s obvious more research needs to be done. It’s obvious more money needs to be raised to fund that research. Great organizations like the big 10 cancer consortium, and its partnership with Cal’s Angels will eventually play a critical role in improving the outcomes of pediatric cancer.
….
Molly was such a shining light that many news outlets followed her story…who else can say they lit 🔥 up the world the way Molly did? I don’t say that to dig on anyone, but man if an 8 year old can make an impact like this, imagine what you could do if you jumped on the wagon and helped fundraise money to fund non-profit clinical trials and research focused in and around pediatric cancer???
I’m not sure I could tell Molly’s story better than her obituary… I can just tell you that it’s heart-wrenching to think about losing child to cancer.
Molly Grace Morris was a brave, hilarious, sweet, silly, and joyful 8 year-old who defied the odds and brought infectious energy and love to any room she entered. Molly danced and pranked her way through life, and sparked laughter from anyone who had the distinct honor of meeting her.
As a cheetah-loving third grader at St. Monica Academy, Molly touched the lives of countless friends, teachers, and families. Whether she was giving “snake squeeze” hugs to friends on the playground or spinning and jumping at dance class or baking key lime pie at cooking class, she was doing it all with a vibrant energy rivaled by few. This was especially true when her loud and boisterous yet charismatic, Texas accented alter ego Larry showed up on the scene, which could be at any given hilarious moment.
Molly was born on August 12, 2014 (exactly one week late which would be an arrival in true Molly style) to parents Erin and Jon. Throughout her life, Molly got to experience all the fun and special things a child should. Most importantly, she got to do it all with her best friend and sister, Annie, by her side. Together, the Morris Family enjoyed life to its fullest. It was in this experiencing life to its fullest that one would say Molly possessed a larger than life personality. At home with Annie, her loving cousins, and friends, was where Molly’s star shined brightest. Her best memories and lifelong bonds were formed during activities such as block parties, sports, blow up pools, biking up and down Berwyn Ave, and swimming at the pool. These were just a few childhood moments among the countless that made Molly’s life magical.
In May of 2021, Molly was diagnosed with a rare childhood kidney cancer: Stage 4 Diffuse Anaplastic Wilms’ Tumor. While cancer may have picked the fight, it was always Molly’s goal to end it.
Under special care from her team at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Molly underwent an aggressive treatment plan that included multiple surgeries, more than a year of chemotherapy, 32 radiation sessions, and ultimately a stem cell transplant. In November of 2022, Molly rang the bell at Lurie in true fierce Molly fashion, signifying the end of treatment accompanied by clear scans, while her family watched in awe. However, on January 9th 2023, Molly and family received the heartbreaking news that Molly's cancer had returned.
For nearly two years, Molly endured more pain than any child should ever have to face, yet she remained incredibly brave. Our heroic champion fought in her best Molly Grace warrior fashion until the bitter end. On February 8, 2023, heaven gained an angel in Molly, the feisty fighter, who passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
Molly is survived by her loving parents, Jon and Erin; her amazing sister, Annie; silly puppy, Lily; grandparents, Jerry Sheehan and Patricia Sheehan, and Joe Morris; uncles, Patrick Sheehan (Jillian), Jeremy Morris; aunts Colleen Beyer; Matt Blomstrand (Amber), Russell Blomstrand (Sarah – Aunty Sparkles), Stephen (Kirsten), Kelly (Christopher) Kimberly Blomstrand, Sam Benoit; special cousins, Shannon, Ryan, Connor, Lanie, Mary Claire, Eloise, Mark, Bobby and Jake.
- https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/02/09/molly-morris-8-year-old-who-united-nw-side-with-her-strength-and-smile-dies-from-cancer/
- https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/8-year-old-girl-at-center-of-mollystrong-movement-dies-of-cancer-family-announces-in-emotional-post/3067812/?amp=1
I’m not sure I could tell Molly’s story better than her obituary… I can just tell you that it’s heart-wrenching to think about losing child to cancer.
Molly Grace Morris was a brave, hilarious, sweet, silly, and joyful 8 year-old who defied the odds and brought infectious energy and love to any room she entered. Molly danced and pranked her way through life, and sparked laughter from anyone who had the distinct honor of meeting her.
As a cheetah-loving third grader at St. Monica Academy, Molly touched the lives of countless friends, teachers, and families. Whether she was giving “snake squeeze” hugs to friends on the playground or spinning and jumping at dance class or baking key lime pie at cooking class, she was doing it all with a vibrant energy rivaled by few. This was especially true when her loud and boisterous yet charismatic, Texas accented alter ego Larry showed up on the scene, which could be at any given hilarious moment.
Molly was born on August 12, 2014 (exactly one week late which would be an arrival in true Molly style) to parents Erin and Jon. Throughout her life, Molly got to experience all the fun and special things a child should. Most importantly, she got to do it all with her best friend and sister, Annie, by her side. Together, the Morris Family enjoyed life to its fullest. It was in this experiencing life to its fullest that one would say Molly possessed a larger than life personality. At home with Annie, her loving cousins, and friends, was where Molly’s star shined brightest. Her best memories and lifelong bonds were formed during activities such as block parties, sports, blow up pools, biking up and down Berwyn Ave, and swimming at the pool. These were just a few childhood moments among the countless that made Molly’s life magical.
In May of 2021, Molly was diagnosed with a rare childhood kidney cancer: Stage 4 Diffuse Anaplastic Wilms’ Tumor. While cancer may have picked the fight, it was always Molly’s goal to end it.
Under special care from her team at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Molly underwent an aggressive treatment plan that included multiple surgeries, more than a year of chemotherapy, 32 radiation sessions, and ultimately a stem cell transplant. In November of 2022, Molly rang the bell at Lurie in true fierce Molly fashion, signifying the end of treatment accompanied by clear scans, while her family watched in awe. However, on January 9th 2023, Molly and family received the heartbreaking news that Molly's cancer had returned.
For nearly two years, Molly endured more pain than any child should ever have to face, yet she remained incredibly brave. Our heroic champion fought in her best Molly Grace warrior fashion until the bitter end. On February 8, 2023, heaven gained an angel in Molly, the feisty fighter, who passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
Molly is survived by her loving parents, Jon and Erin; her amazing sister, Annie; silly puppy, Lily; grandparents, Jerry Sheehan and Patricia Sheehan, and Joe Morris; uncles, Patrick Sheehan (Jillian), Jeremy Morris; aunts Colleen Beyer; Matt Blomstrand (Amber), Russell Blomstrand (Sarah – Aunty Sparkles), Stephen (Kirsten), Kelly (Christopher) Kimberly Blomstrand, Sam Benoit; special cousins, Shannon, Ryan, Connor, Lanie, Mary Claire, Eloise, Mark, Bobby and Jake.
In memory of Molly, the Morris Family asks to keep the spirit of Molly alive. Live like Molly did. Enjoy dancing and pranking through life. Show your silly side. Wear your cheetah print. Show up for others in their time of need, and ensure no one - child or family - ever fights alone. Remember that cancer may pick the fight, but in Molly’s name, one day we will end it for good. #NoGiveUpInUs
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