Devin Suau, Inspiration For #WhyNotDevin Campaign, Passes Away

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Devin Suau, the six-year-old Framingham boy at the heart of the #WhyNotDevin social media campaign, died Friday morning after fighting a rare form of pediatric cancer, his mother said.

"With a beyond shattered heart and soul, I write this post to tell you that our little super hero lost his very courageous battle early this morning surrounded by Jay and I and the boys," Christine Soutter Suau wrote on Facebook. "I know my mom was waiting with the biggest hug along with all those who earned their beautiful wings before us. Please continue to pray for my boys. Today is the worst day of our lives."

Suau was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma in January after he fell off his snowboard and his parents brought him to the doctor to check for a possible concussion. With an inoperable brain tumor on his brain stem, he was given between eight months and two years to live.

His parents, Christine and James, hoped for a miracle. So they launched the Facebook group #WhyNotDevin and a GoFundMe campaign, both asking why Devin couldn't be the first to survive this cancer that impacts between 200 and 300 kids per year in the U.S.

The Suaus' optimism was contagious. Their campaign caught the attention of thousands, from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Gov. Charlie Baker to celebrities like Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell. He was sworn in as a police officer in several police departments, signed by numerous sports teams and even blessed by Pope Francis.

His death Friday came nearly a month after the family announced he was not "doing great" and had been admitted to the hospital.

Image via GoFundMe