Jonny May

Jonathan’s commanding legacy lives in the hearts of people he inspired. His spirit of determination and optimism defined his character. The challenges he faced were continuing and endless yet his courage in facing them was remarkable.

The cancer medical world has been transformed by his energy, dedication, research, and commitment to helping others.

Epidemiology, geography, hunting, the environment, and sports were his passions. As a college baseball player, a scholar athlete, senior class president, a Medical University of Ohio researcher, the Public Health Student campus organization President, a farm boy, a member of National Honor Society, and a Collegiate Scholar, he represented a young man of integrity, courage, and commitment.

As parents, we cherish our children’s future, but Jonathan’s was cut short. He was so young and never given the chance to work as an epidemiologist, to have children, or to determine his destiny. But he left his mark on our family, in his community, in his circle of friends, and the medical world just because he lived.

Jonathan put his life on the line so others could be spared. His extraordinary bravery will eventually save many lives. We’ve all gained renewed admiration for Jonathan who made courage and cancer fighting his career. He is a study of a man who, at risk to himself, his future, and his well-being stood fast for the battle. And this in time will give heart to others.

At least 3 of his 27 years were spent on this earth with physical pain and suffering. But during all this time, we never heard him complain or indicate that he felt like God had dealt him unjustly. Because of his efforts, other cancer patients will have a better chance, the young a greater opportunity to live with dignity and respect through their cancer battle, and the medical community will have an example of his medical miracles. He showed wisdom, strength, and courage in his struggle for solutions that rarely ever came his way. But it was the thoughtfulness, the caring, the encouragement, and the support from his family and friends that lifted him up.

Jonathan, you are now our angel. We will forever miss you and your dimpled smile, your warm hugs, and you will forever be in our hearts.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 30th, 2009 at 11:33 pm and is filed under From Mom. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.