Friends describe Ewan Lill as kind-hearted, generous, supportive and funny. His mother said he was tender, loving and social.
A group of Islander Middle School students gathered with a host of others at Pioneer Park on Ewan’s birthday — Sept. 22 — to honor their pal, who died at age 8 on May 7, 2018, of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It’s the fifth consecutive year that they’ve held Ewan’s birthday celebration and the students informed his mother, Jenny Harrington Lill, that they plan to continue the meaningful tradition indefinitely.
In addition, the current eighth-graders raise money at each celebration for the Team Ewan Guild, which funds childhood cancer research at Seattle Children’s Hospital. This year, they amassed $2,696.05 and the guild’s total stood at $13,059 in donations at press time.
Jenny said it’s a touching, emotional and uplifting experience when the boys — who were all third-grade classmates with Ewan when he died — honor their friend each year. About 30-35 students, neighbors and family friends attended the recent before-school celebration from 7:30-9:30 a.m. under a shady maple tree near a city park bench dedicated to Ewan.
“I think his birthday, as it approaches, it feels insufferable. It’s so hard to think of what he would be like as a 13-year-old or a 14-year-old,” Jenny said. “When they do this, and we come together and I get to see them growing, it helps me imagine what Ewan would be doing now and would be like. It also makes the day sufferable because I feel like we are coming together and doing something meaningful for Ewan in his memory and honor.”
Ewan Lill at age 7, left, and age 8. Courtesy photos
In 2018, six of Ewan’s classmates toasted their friend with chocolate cake and chocolate milk. For the last two years, members of the Evergreen Chapter of the National Charity League have volunteered to bake treats that the boys pass out to attendees. At this year’s gathering, one resident said that she appreciated the boys honoring Ewan — whom she’d never met, but knew his story — made a donation and took some baked goods home to share with her neighbors, Jenny said.
Dan Cartwright said the yearly event is a great way for the boys to celebrate their amazing friend.
“It is a way to remember him like he is here and it helps raise money to find a cure for cancer,” he said. “He never backed down from a problem until it was solved and never stopped helping people.”
Alex Jack noted that it’s an emotional time for the boys while celebrating Ewan.
“Just thinking about Ewan is sad as he was honestly taken away too soon, but it makes me happy that we still remember him in this way. I wish he was still here with us, but I am OK as he is not in pain anymore and at peace,” he said. “I also feel proud to be able to help other kids who have high-risk leukemia like Ewan did and possibly help save lives.”
Matthew Duffié added: “It’s really nice to be at the bake sale to remember Ewan. Ewan was always really cheerful and he brought happiness to the room.”
To honor Ewan, Jenny said one of her sons in college recently called to say that he sang “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra during a karaoke session. She added that Ewan also loved watching movies, playing games and sports, school, art and much more.
Jenny added that she becomes filled with hope during each celebration for Ewan.
“Our community is very special and does so much good and we care for each other and I think this is one way (to do that),” she said.
To donate to the Team Ewan Guild, visit https://give.seattlechildrens.org/campaign/team-ewan-guild/c300925.
