Louis was stricken with rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of 8, which required surgery to remove his right eye. He recovered but at 13 was once again diagnosed with a tumor that required the removal of his upper jaw (maxillectomy). He not only recovered, but went on to college at the University of Maryland. But then at age 20, during his 3rd year of college, he was again struck by the monster disease for the 3rd time. After nearly a year of multiple surgeries and chemotherapy he succumbed, and we lost the greatest son a man could wish for. He overcame the many physical obstacles to actively participate in sports - especially baseball. He was an avid fan of both the NY Mets and Baltimore Orioles, both teams of which he had become a guest of during his 12 year battle. Though it’s been 30 years since we lost him, I think of him every day, not in sorrow, but about the joy and pleasure he gave to those who knew him. To this day I make decisions by answering the question: What would Louis want me to do - as a father, as a friend?

Written by Rob Semel, Louis’s Father
06/09