I come from a very tiny village in Northwest Ohio named Holgate. It’s the kind of town in which everyone knows each other and looks out for one another. It’s amazing the things the people in this community will do for one another — and we just so happen to have our very own hometown superhero named Layne.
Layne is a 5-year-old boy who was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma (cancerous brain tumor). He was originally diagnosed at the age of four, kicked cancer’s butt in the fall of 2015, but has since been re-diagnosed. Despite all of this, he is still the cutest and strongest little boy. He has managed to keep a positive mindset and he keeps pushing forward. He is fighting this battle a million times better than most people ever could. Quite frankly, we should follow in Layne’s footsteps and learn from him — learn to always keep trying and to never give up.
We all know of the popular superheroes’ such as Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Ironman, The Flash, Captain America, The Hulk, Thor and so on. However, what exactly is a superhero? A superhero, by definition, is a benevolent character with superhuman powers. If you ask me, that is exactly what Layne is. Fighting cancer IS a superhuman power, especially at only 5 years old. Managing all the pain that Chemo puts you through IS a superhuman power. Keeping a positive mindset while going through all of this IS a superhuman power. Therefore, I believe that little Layne truly is Holgate’s very own real-life hometown superhero.
On behalf of the Holgate community, I am confident that I can say we are so glad to have you as our little superhero. You have taught us all some very valuable lessons. You have inspired us all to always keep putting in the effort and to always keep pushing forward with our heads held high. YOU are the reason so many people have been able to keep moving on with life, despite the bad things that can and will happen. YOU have shown us that life is worth fighting for and we thank you for that by supporting you with our Superhero Layne t-shirts and car window decals!
Not only have you been a superhero to your community, but you’ve also been my own little personal superhero as well. I’m a nursing student currently with a focus on pediatric oncology and YOU are my motivation to stay focused and keep trying to do my best in school. Why may you ask? Because one day, I want to be able to help kids just like you. You are my reminder of how badly I want to be able to be around kids just like you every day. Thank you for motivating me to keep working towards my goal!
So my message to you, Layne, is that you have so many people standing behind you, supporting you, and loving you. This is because, we as a community believe in YOU and know that you will overcome this obstacle. It’s not every day that a 5-year-old can make such a big impact on so many lives, but you have, Layne. So anytime you begin to feel scared, alone, or sad, just remember the amazing community that you have standing behind you and remember how far you have come. Your community will keep fighting alongside you and we will always support our little superhero. Your community is truly one of a kind and with them supporting you every step of the way, you can conquer anything!
You are by far the strongest person I’ve ever known, Layne, and I’m pretty sure I can speak for the whole village of Holgate when I say that. Always remember that you can do anything you set your mind to. Basically this means that if you want to kick cancer’s butt again, all you have to do is keep your faith and believe within yourself that you can. Everyone around you knows you can do this, so all you need is to keep believing in yourself! Keep up with those special superhuman powers and you will once again kick cancer’s butt. We believe in you Layne, and you will forever be our hometown superhero!
