Vigil Remembers Keating-Wear

COURT HOUSE – More than 200 friends and family turned on lights and raised their thumbs to the heavens Oct. 15, the day after 12-year-old Kanen Keating-Wear passed away after fighting Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare cancer that most often occurs in and around the bones.
The Middle Township Baseball Softball Association held the vigil at the Goshen Sports Complex in support of Keating-Wear’s family, remembering his passion for life and love of sports. 
Surrounded by his family and loved ones, listening to his favorite music, Keating-Wear died four days after his birthday, although close family and friends celebrated it weeks prior. He is survived by his mother, Lauren, his father, Michael, sister, Kinley, and brothers, Koben and Krew.
Over the past two years, Keating-Wear had battled his second and third bout with Ewing’s Sarcoma, having first been diagnosed near the C2-C3 vertebrae when he was 5-years-old. At the time, the tumor was inoperable, and he underwent 11 months of chemo and 31 days of radiation.
After five years without evidence of the disease, it returned. The third fight added Leptomeningeal disease, which occurs when cancer cells migrate from another part of the body to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This liquid circulates nutrients and chemicals to the brain and spinal cord. The complication has no known cure.
Keating-Wear’s father, Michael Wear, urged those in attendance at the vigil “not to waste time” in whatever they do. “The lessons learned on the field will take you through life,” he said. 
“Love is everything,” he continued. “This community saved our lives. Down the road, they will pick you up when you are down.”
Over the years, the family always recognized the support given to them from family and friends, providing company, food, companionship, and support of Keating-Wear’s siblings so they could participate in activities.
Middle Township Middle School held a Kindness Day Oct. 18, in memory of Keating-Wear.
John Lynch, of Wildwood, said he had gotten to know Keating-Wear and his family through Lynch’s foundation, Lunch with Lynch. He spoke at the vigil, saying, “This hand is excited that Kanen is out of pain and in God’s arms. He is one of the newest guardian angels, but this hand here is where my heart is broken. Today is about healing our hearts.”
Watch video courtesy of John Lynch:
Lynch recognized several organizations and individuals who supported the family over the years, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Harlem Globetrotters, Philadelphia Phillies, and the O.A.R. rock band. 
“You’re his legacy,” Lynch said, addressing Keating-Wear’s classmates. “The best thing you can do to honor him is work hard and remember him.”
Using “the power of community,” Lynch urged everyone to hold up a light, depicting the “light of life” in the youngster’s memory. A “thumbs up” to the heavens followed for Keating-Wear.
According to his obituary posted online, Keating-Wear lived in Hawaii, saw the Philadelphia Eagles win their first Super Bowl in Minnesota, and most recently, took a nine-state road trip to see America’s greatest national parks. 
“He was a colorful dresser, always decked out in bright colors, sharp hats, hot socks, and Vans sneakers,” the notice read. “He loved diving, the beach, and skateboarding. He had a hilarious wit and personality, an accurate attention to detail, and an honesty and maturity seldom found in a 12-year-old.” 
He loved school, excelled at math and science, and took a deep interest in history, especially the history of his country and family. He loved baseball, was a good teammate, avidly followed the Phillies on his phone every day, and dreamed of one day playing professionally, according to the notice. 
“Make no mistake about it, the Philadelphia Eagles were his favorite team,” the notice read. “His perfect Friday night always involved movies, video games, music, family, food, friends, maybe even a fire, with s’mores and widdling.”
From the time Keating-Wear was a toddler, he loved science and wanted to do something in a field that could save the oceans or help special needs kids in a “save the world” type of way.
During his treatment, Keating-Wear and his mother started a foundation that helped kids fighting for their lives. They made sure those kids who were suffering had presents on every holiday: Easter baskets, Halloween candy, and something to do on the Fourth of July “when kids were stuck in the hospital, just like he once was.” 
His family will continue to help those families devastated by cancer, and fund new research to aid in the eradication of the disease. Donations can be made to HurriKanens Kids, PO Box 372, Avalon, N.J. 08202.
To contact Karen Knight, email kknight@cmcherald.com.