During the nine days James was in the ICU at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, our family experienced an overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and support. We are forever grateful to everyone who reached out, held us in their thoughts, and stood by us during this unimaginably difficult time.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the many ways our community sustained us:

• Your Generosity: Contributions to James’s GoFundMe page raised over $50,000, fully covering our out-of-pocket expenses during and after James’s hospital stay.

• Your Kindness: We are deeply moved by the countless home-cooked meals dropped off at our door, the beautiful cards, letters, flowers, and the precious memories of James that so many of you have shared with us.

A Special Thanks to Father John McNamara

Our family also wishes to express our deepest appreciation to Father John McNamara, who traveled to Lurie Hospital daily to provide exceptional pastoral care, comfort, and strength.

Fr. John is a priest at St. Catherine of Siena in West Dundee, where James’ mom, Molly, teaches third grade. Bless you, Fr. John, for your unwavering devotion and grace. †