Today we remember Wes Smith, a son, brother, and friend. As an otherwise healthy young man Wes' life and that of his family changed forever on February 13, 2004. Wes was studying architecture at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and came home to see his family doctor after he was unable to get rid of a cold.  As he and his mom, Claire, waited to hear from the doctor they could not have known or been prepared for what the doctor was about to tell them - leukemia.

Over the next several months Wes and his family experienced extreme highs and lows. Wes struggled with his treatments but managed to remain positive and continue to fight for his life. He spent time with the people he loved and in between treatments made trips to Savannah to spend time in his college town. Wes' leukemia was managed but he never made it into remission. Less than a year after learning his diagnoses, at only 22 years of age, Wes passed away on February 2, 2005, a victim of leukemia.

Eight years have passed since Wes lost his battle to leukemia but his memory stays with his family, friends, and those who have been touched by his story. In memory of Wes the Smith family started the When Everyone Survives Foundation and have distributed funds to leukemia researchers around the world. Wes' life, while short on this earth, continues to bless those who are battling leukemia.   

So remember to hug the ones you love a little bit tighter, live life to the fullest, and be a friend to those in need. We believe that is what Wes would have wanted.

From all of us at When Everyone Survives Foundation. 

Later,

Rhea Miller

Development Director