Carson Higgins

Carson Gene Higgins went to be with his Savior on August 11, 2016, following a nine-year battle with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer of the nervous system. His final days were spent surrounded by his parents and brothers, as they journeyed around the country on Carson's 'Trip of a Lifetime.' Carson went to Heaven in Las Vegas, as the family prepared to see the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. Carson got to see some of God's beautiful creations in the loving company of his family - four weeks of memories they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Although Carson was only 12 years old at his passing, his short life had more impact than most, regardless of years on this earth. He demonstrated incredible courage as he battled his disease and never once complained, despite years of difficult and taxing treatments. Carson always gave of himself and never asked for anything in return. He never lost his sense of humor or his kindness, gentleness, and loving demeanor. No matter how sick he was, he was truly God's angel here on earth. Carson's greatest passion was reading. He would read three or more books per week. The family was blessed to have been able to donate Carson's corneas, a gift they knew Carson would want to give, so that others could have the gift of sight, and hopefully love to read as much as he did. Additionally, Carson loved being a member of the Boy Scouts, specifically Troop 385. He enjoyed the comradery of the Troop and always looked forward to meetings and campouts. Carson also enjoyed the fellowship of his youth group and getting closer to his God with them. Carson grew in confidence and stature every week while horseback riding at Victory Gallop-he loved the horses! He really enjoyed being able to connect with his brothers and friends playing Minecraft and Clash of Clans. The family hopes others will be as touched as they were by Carson's life. He taught them how to love, to be gentle and kind, how to face adversity with peace and grace, to be strong and courageous, and to live by example, not by words. His presence will be missed, but his spirit and the memories of him will live in our hearts forever. We learned from Carson that every day is a gift, a treasure, not to be taken for granted, and to live every day as your last so as to have no regrets. Carson was blessed to be treated and cared for by the amazing medical team at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital over the past nine years: Dr. Sara Federico, Dr. Justin Baker, Dr. Lisa McGregor, as well as many other talented professionals who not only cared for him, but loved him, always showing him kindness and compassion. We are deeply indebted to the entire team at St. Jude! Additionally, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the teachers, principals, and staff of the entire Revere School District. Their kindness, flexibility, support and love was felt by every member of our family. Over the past year, your willingness to support our family in getting to Memphis and helping us stay together was such a blessing. Moreover, the entire Revere community constantly astounded us with their love and support-thank you all. The greatest blessing we received was experiencing Carson's divine peace and strength as he courageously battled cancer. It strengthened us, and at times sustained us, to hear the stories of how Carson's journey inspired others, and brought so many closer to God. We will forever be blessed and thankful to so many for the incredible outpouring of love and kindness Carson and our family received. Carson leaves behind his loving parents, John and Debbie Higgins, as well as his brothers Brendon, Brett, Garrett and Derek, and his dog Tuck. He so loved being in the brother club. He also leaves behind his maternal grandparents Gene and Ginger Brundege as well as his paternal grandparents John and Mary Higgins, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins he loved dearly. Calling hours for Carson will be Saturday, August 20, from 12 PM to 4 PM at the Grace Church Extension, 565 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Fairlawn, OH 44333 On August 27, the family will travel to Franklin NY, where they will have a graveside ceremony at the Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin, NY at 11 AM. That will be followed by a reception at the Foot Hills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, NY from 12:30 PM to 3 PM. The address for the reception is 24 Market Street, Oneonta, NY 13820 On September 3, the family will have a Celebration of Life Ceremony for Carson at the Grace Church, at the Bath Campus, located at 754 Ghent Road, Akron, OH 44321. The celebration will begin at 11 AM. Please note, this is a different location than the location of the calling hours held on August 20. We have chosen donations in lieu of flowers. We intend to support the following organizations that were close to Carson's heart: Victory Gallop, Boy Scout troop 385 and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In addition we would like to create a scholarship in his honor at Revere HS. Donations can be made to www.carsonstrong.org. #carsonstrongforever