Absolutely no one should have to battle cancer, but especially not a loving and inspiring young man like Javier Avelar . He was diagnosed with aggressive colon cancer as a freshman in college, and continued to fight for eighteen months.
But Javi is more than just his fight with cancer. He was a friend, son, brother, cousin, teammate, rolemodel, and so much more to many people. Javi touched every life he came into, left behind so many memories, and set an example for all those around him. I truly believe that if we all took notes, if we all aspired to be a little more like Javier, the world would be a much better place.
Javier taught us to be passionate. Whether out on the field or watching with friends, soccer was a huge part of Javi’s life. His teammates can attest that his work ethic was unparalleled, and he wanted nothing more than to be in for one more minute. Even as the cancer took his strength, he continued to root for Real Madrid and remember what he is passionate about. It’s important to know what matters to us, like Javier did, and to focus on that rather than anything negative happening around us.
Javier taught us to be a friend to many. As his friend Ryan Brunnock wrote, “he got along with every single person he came in contact with.” There wasn’t a party he didn’t get invited to, a friend group that didn’t love him, or a person he couldn’t get along with. Many gathered on Tuesday in front of Javier’s alma mater, Morristown High School, for a candle light vigil, where it became clear what an influential member of the community he was. Hundreds of people are mourning his passing on facebook, posting stories and pictures exemplifying how he impacted many lives. To have touched this many people and have this many friends in his 21 short years with us is inspiring.
Javier taught us to support others. There were many MHS girls basketball games where the only student in the audience was Javier, cheering on his friends. He encouraged his teammates and believed in them even when they didn’t believe in themselves. Fredy Umanzor, Javi’s cousin, was one of the many lucky enough to be touched by Javier’s support. He remembers Javier making sure Westfield F.C. soccer team let them both play, even though Fredy wasn’t nearly good enough yet. Javier didn’t stay on the team, but continued encouraging Fredy to stay, practice, and work hard to get better. “That opportunity literally changed my life,” Umanzor recalls about the path that Javier’s support opened up to him. Everyone needs people to support them, and we should all try to be that support system to someone. You can start by supporting Javier’s family by donating to their GoFundMe.
Javier taught us to cherish life. He never let his diagnosis get him down. He faught with a positive attitude, hitting every curve ball that was thrown at him. Javier knew that his time with us may be limited, but in the end he decided to make the most of what he did have. He spent time with friends and family, he stayed connected to many through texts, snapchat, and facebook, and he appreciated every day that he had on this earth. On August 31, Javier tweeted “All we can ever do is make the best with the time that is given to us.” He wasn’t afraid to fight, he wasn’t afraid to be in pain, he only wanted to make every day the best he could knowing how precious his life was.
Javier taught us to be kind. He was kind to his family, kind to his friends, but most impoortantly kind to those he didn’t know at all. Ben Rudinski, Javier’s good friend, recounts sitting alone at lunch in middle school, not having made any friends yet. “I’ll never forget Javier walking over to me with the biggest smile on his face,” he says, and tells how Javier proceeded to insist that Ben eat with him and his friends. “I’ll never forget that random act of kindness, and I’ll always try to go out of my way to help people because I know that’s what he would have done,” says Rudinski, illustrating the power that Javier’s kindess had. We should all follow Javier’s lead and be kind to those around us.
Javier taught us the power of a smile. When reading everyone’s memories of Javier, perhaps the most reccurring memory was that of his contagious smile. Javier’s teammate and friend, Mario Cruz, wrote in tribute, “you still managed to put a smile on my face even when you were sick”, and that although he’s gone he continues to make him smile. Javier could make anyone laugh, his smile would light up a room, and Morristown will be a little dimmer without it. His smile could make anyone’s bad day better, and should be a reminder to us that such little actions as smiling and finding the good in things can have a huge impact on those around us.
I challenge everyone to be more like Javier “Nachos” Avelar. To take all your memories with him and use them to make yourself a better person. Remember more than just his fight, but remember the happiness and inspiration he brought to you and attempt to bring that to others.
Rest in the sweetest paradise, Javier. You are so extremely loved and missed.
