Learn | Our Inspiration | Hazen
Hazen
Hazen was a problem solver. He loved mazes and conquered them with delightful fervor. He loved puzzles of all varieties, and would figure out a way to find solutions.
At 18 months old, he could direct his stroller from his home on Tenth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, to his favorite store for his favorite animal crackers, which was located nearly a mile away. With a “Dis way,” and a “Dat way,” Hazen was determined to get what he wanted, and made sure we knew it. When he was little, he conquered his fears of sitting on Santa’s lap because he simply had to tell him that he NEEDED a remote control car. That Christmas he independently received four.
Hazen knew his States on a map. He even collected state quarters, and often lamented about spending Georgia on a bubblegum machine at Macy’s. Hazen loved yo-yos. He loved bugs. He loved pumpkin bread, and cats. He loved his friends, and to dance. He loved a girl, who just happened to be his best friend’s little sister. Hazen loved jokes, and would teach them to clowns at the hospital…because he loved clowns. Hazen loved Pennsylvania. He loved Michigan. He loved seeing his family, and being the center of a big love huddle. Hazen loved magic. He loved learning tricks and loved performing and watching. He loved figuring things out and loved sharing the wonder of how things are done with others. “Amazin’ Hazen” would perform for anyone at any time, sharing laughs and smiles along the way. Hazen loved board games and would absorb them voraciously, and would tear through them the way people tear through them, mastering one and needing another challenge. Hazen loved science. Hazen loved fairies, and fairy doors. He loved to share presents with other people, and always thought about what people needed, and how to help them. That was just his way. People felt him. People loved him. People were grateful for the magic in his eyes that undoubtedly spoke of love and mischief.
There are so many things that we wanted Hazen to see with those eyes. We wanted him to see his dreams of becoming a scientist realized. We wanted him to see real monkeys that looked like his favorite toy he brought to the hospital. We wanted him to see his children. We wanted him to see a life without cancer. Without cancer, we would still have Hazen, whom we love.