Enfield Teen Loses His Valiant Battle Against Neuroblastoma

ENFIELD, CT — Donovan Abbe, who courageously waged a 5-year battle against neuroblastoma after being diagnosed while in elementary school, succumbed to the disease early Sunday morning. He had just turned 14 last month.

Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer which starts in immature nerve cells. Donovan was in fourth grade at Eli Whitney School when he was diagnosed in 2017.

The community rallied around Donovan and his family, organizing fundraisers and special events. He received a stem cell transplant at Boston Children's Hospital in 2018, and was declared to be in remission the following year, according to his "Memere," Kathy Heerz.

Unfortunately, the cancer returned in 2021, and Donovan underwent another extensive series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. By July, there had been "little to no change from his previous scans," Heerz said.

Several weeks ago, Donovan woke up to discover he had lost the vision in his left eye. More medical care followed, but the disease metastasized quickly to his bones, brain, spine and liver. Following his last chemo treatment Thursday, his parents were called back to the hospital, and he died around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Heerz said.

"He put up a good fight for five years," she said.

Family and friends have been posting tributes to Donovan and expressions of sympathy to his parents, Melissa and Bill, on social media.

• "My sweet Donovan, you fought harder and longer than anyone I know could have. You’re such an inspiration to so many. You are loved and adored beyond words. Thank you for choosing my to be your Auntie. For showing me what true love was. For always being my little sidekick, even when you got bigger. I will forever cherish our time together my love." - Jessica Abbe
• "Rest in peace Donovan. You put up the fight of your life, and this quote comes to mind thinking of how hard you fought at such a young age. 'When you die, it does not mean you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live.'" - Christine Moschetti
• "Enfield will be a little darker. It lost one of its brightest rays of sunshine. Donovan was inspiring with how hard he fought and how positive he was while he went through it all." - Jeannette Pedraza
• "Donovan was blessed to have such a great mother, father, brother and family members in his life. I know now he will watch over you all. He was extraordinary and was put through so much." - Dawn Dumeny

Funeral arrangements are not yet completed, but Melissa Abbe said calling hours will take place Sunday afternoon at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels. More details will be released shortly.

Pamela Mele, a friend of the Abbe family, has set up a meal train to assist them during this difficult time. It may be accessed here.