CT Fifth Grader, 'Superhero' Passes Away After Fight With Cancer

BRISTOL, CT — After a long fight with cancer, Bristol fifth grader Connor Albert passed away Monday, leaving a community that had rallied behind him heartbroken by the loss of their hometown superhero. Connor had been battling Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, for nearly three years. He inspired all who knew him with every brave step he took along the way.

The news of his passing was announced Monday by his family on a Facebook page dedicated to chronicling Connor's journey.

"There are no words we have to express our heartache," the post said. "This morning at 6:17 a.m. our superhero left this Earth and is now an angel in Heaven."

According to his family's YouCaring page, Connor showed tremendous strength over these difficult last few years. After initial treatment and diagnosis, he underwent extensive surgery in August 2016 at Boston Children’s Hospital.

As part of the procedure, surgeons removed a portion of Connor's femur and replaced part of his hip.

Once the cancer was removed, the cancerous leg and hip bones were replaced with artificial bones and joints to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading further.

Connor also underwent three lung surgeries after doctors found the cancer had spread to his lungs. His most recent surgery took place in October.

All the while, he exhibited tremendous strength and bravery.

"Connor came into this world and has taught us more about life, happiness, friendship , love, strength and bravery than anyone we’ve ever known," the post said. "We reminded him daily that he was our hero. To say we are blessed to be his parents is a complete understatement. We couldn’t have asked for a better son."

Those who knew him and heard his story truly considered Connor heroic and often referred to him as Captain Connor, Bristol's hometown superhero.

"Connor taught us all what true strength is," an update made Tuesday to the YouCaring page said, "and what it means to be ConnorStrong."

The young superhero had recently started school at South Side School in August after taking time off due to cancer treatments.

A video posted to the school's Facebook page showed Connor receiving a police escort for his triumphant return, riding with both the mayor and police chief while accompanied by cruisers and two motorcycles.

Those who wish to help Connor's family during this difficult time can still donate to the family's YouCaring page. As of Tuesday afternoon, the page has raised $17,536 toward a $20,000 goal thanks to nearly 180 supporters.

Though he will be missed deeply by all who knew him, Captain Connor will forever remain a superhero to all who followed his journey and will continue to inspire those who remember him.

"Connor is always in our heart and I know he will always be with us. We are going to miss that smile, but every time we think of him, I know we will feel it," his parents shared in their post. "Connor, we love you with all of our heart! We are always connected by that invisible string. No distance will ever, ever separate us! We will see you again one day."

Image via YouCaring