Nathaniel Boerlin, our son and brother, died suddenly at the age of 16 on April 20, 2007, after only 30 hours of diagnosis at AI duPont Hospital for Children. In fact, it wasn't until at least three months after his death that we found out he had stage IV brain cancer. Except for headaches a few weeks before his death, Nate was a bright student who never complained and excelled at percussion instruments. He auditioned for a summer Julliard high school program just weeks before his death, and he would have fulfilled his dream if things didn't turn out differently. How very blessed and honored we are that we had Nate for the years we did, and although we miss him terribly, we are ever so much better for him being with us for such a short time.

Written by Lauren Boerlin, Nathaniel’s Mom
October 2009