Like everyone else in America, I have lost family and friends to the thief known as Cancer.
In fact, I know three who are bravely battling it as we speak. One, I have known for most of my 53 years…in fact, our fathers were friends and attended the same Sunday School Class, and we went on to graduate high school together. The second fellow, I worked closely with for almost 7 years, and is a good Christian husband and father. The last individual is my niece by marriage, another strong Christian, who is, along with her husband, home schooling 3 teenagers (2 girls and a boy).
Cancer knows no race, nor station in life. It attacks the young and the old, the rich and the poor.
However, even when we are in the throes of this life or death struggle, the love of Christ shines through.
A very special young man, who shined his light for everyone to see, passed away last Thursday in Collierville, Tennessee, right outside of Memphis.
WREG.com tells us his story:
Fifteen year old Trey Erwin has lost his battle with accelerated pancreatic cancer.
Trey’s story started inspiring people all over the country when his message went viral on Twitter hash tag ‘pray for trey’. That has since been replaced with ‘pray for the Erwins’ on Twitters most commonly tweeted phrase list.
Trey’s story has captivated the community and is impacting so many people his last name Erwin is trending right now on twitter as one of the most commonly tweeted phrases. The teen’s bravery and wisdom is continuing to inspire others.
When doctors gave him less than a year to live his story started a campaign of prayer in Collierville. Trey told a production crew with his church Germantown Baptist and Highpoint Church the support is overwhelming.
“The support that I’ve had from all the people has been crazy. Having the signs in the yards and the bracelets and t-shirts and little kids with lemonade stand for me. And people I don’t even know supporting me. It’s overwhelming. And it just shows me how blessed I am,” said Erwin.
But a few weeks ago Trey’s treatment stopped working. Despite the somber news Trey remained brave through his faith.
“I know I’m going to be ok. If I’m going to be ok here on Earth or in Heaven with him. That’s why I’m not worried about it as much,” said Erwin.
Trey’s story went viral on the social networking site Twitter and used the site to inspire others with tweets like “Things can change in a blink of an eye, but knowing that it is nothing that my God can’t handle, takes away all unnecessary worries!”
A humble Trey says he is not an inspiration.
“I’m not inspiring anybody. I’m being used by God, and I’m just wanting all the glory to go to him and none to me,” said Erwin.
Trey inspired a lot of people, per WMCTV.com:
People across the Mid-South spent their Fridays remembering Trey Erwin, a Collierville teen who died Thursday from cancer, but area firefighters have a special tie to Trey and his family.
The mayor of Memphis, the Memphis Grizzlies and even NFL star Tim Tebow sent their condolences to the Erwin family Thursday and now a group of Memphis firefighters are sharing their connection to a boy who they say fought his own fire with faith.
As the community learned of 15-year-old Trey Erwin’s death, a special salute went out over the airwaves by Memphis firefighters.
Trey’s father, Jerry “Jay” Erwin, is a firefighter and paramedic for Station House 24.
“A lot of people that have worked for Jay don’t even know him and have never met him,” said firefighter Lt. Shane Rhodes.
For the past 5 months, as Trey battled pancreatic cancer, Rhodes and Tony Cain helped organized the schedules to allow Erwin to be with his family.
While social media used the hashtag PrayForTray, Engine 24 created its own hashtag movement: WorkForJay.
“We’ve been very fortunate that the administration has allowed an exception to allow people to work for Jay longer than what is normally permitted,” said Rhodes.
Many firefighters say they’ve known the Erwin family for more than 10 years and they were amazed at the strength and faith that Trey had during his fight with cancer.
“I remember the kids from a very young age and they were very proud of their dad for being on the fire department and being a paramedic and a firefighter,” said Rhodes.
“Trey was like a son,’ said a crying Tony Cain.
The firefighters said working for Jay Erwin is part of the special brotherhood firefighters share, but ultimately they had simple messages for the Erwin’s.
“Y’all raised a heck of a son,” said Rhodes.
“We’re here for you and anything you need,” said Cain. “We’re just a phone call away.”
The Town of Collierville has declared July 31st, 2012, Trey Erwin Day. It would have been his 16th birthday.
Trey Erwin’s funeral was held yesterday at Germantown Baptist Church. It was packed.
It was a celebration of a young life, well lived.
Like Trey, we never walk alone.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
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