Journal entry by Lisa DeRocher —
He is Home.
The past couple of months have been a roller coaster. We were able to spend another Christmas together in Florida where we had many laughs and made precious memories.
A couple weeks later an ER visit revealed an infection in his central line. He was given the choice to be admitted in Sioux City or Omaha and of course he chose his UNMC family. He was treated like a VIP. Looking back, I think this was his way of saying goodbye to them one last time.
His health and mobility declined quickly over the next couple of weeks. Chris and Dylan made it to his appointment in Houston on January 30th. The treatments weren’t working. It was there Dylan made the decision to stop treatment and come home on Hospice. He knew his body was tired. He wanted to watch his sister, Brooklyn, wrestle at State. So, they flew directly to Iowa City and he was able to watch his sister pin her first opponent. He was a proud brother.
Once home, Father Klein came out and gave him the Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick. Faith was important to Dylan. He spent the next couple of nights with friends and family reminiscing.
Dylan passed away early Wednesday morning with his family by his side. He was peaceful and now pain free. He was an advocate for himself to the very end.
We want to thank everyone that supported him and our family on this journey since he was a Freshman. We want to especially thank MD Anderson Cancer Center for giving us an extra 8 months with Dylan. We want to thank Unity Point ER and Infusion Center for treating us like family and always giving him the best care. And finally, Dr.Patel and the staff at UNMC. You always went above and beyond. We were family. The bonds he had with all the team members from Housekeeping to PT to Nurses to Doctors and his Child Life Specialist, Julia. You all will hold a special place in our hearts forever. Thank you will never be enough.
His Prayer Vigil is Monday at 7pm and Funeral Mass at 10:30am on Tuesday. All services will be at All Saints Parish-St Joseph’s. Rexwinkel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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