The memory of Devin Suau is being honored Friday across Massachusetts. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh declared his birthday Devin Suau Day.
A 6-year-old Massachusetts boy who died from a rare pediatric brain cancer is being recognized for his lasting impact on people's lives by the city of Boston.
Mayor Marty Walsh declared Friday as "Devin Suau Day."
Devin passed away Oct. 20 from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Friday would have been his seventh birthday.
In honor of Devin, Walsh and the Suau family were encouraging all residents to perform an act of kindness and to share it on social media with #WhyNotDevin. The campaign, which Devin inspired, helped raise money and awareness for his rare form of cancer. People were also encouraged to wear green on Friday to show their support.
"Devin captured the hearts of all who met him," said Walsh. "On Devin's birthday, I join his family in honoring a kind, strong, brave little boy who left us far too soon. As a survivor of childhood cancer myself, my heart is with Devin's family as they continue to fight for all children diagnosed with DIPG, and work towards a cure. Today, I ask everyone who can to perform an act of kindness, remembering Devin Suau."
U.S. & World
Devin captured the hearts of many people, including Tom Brady and various Massachusetts law enforcement and fire officials.
He served as a captain of Tom Brady's duck boat in the 2017 Patriots Super Bowl rolling rally celebration; as the Framingham police chief for a day; and acted as the leader of the St. Patrick's Day parade in Boston. He also got to serve as the honorary Boston police commissioner for a day and as the chief mail carrier in Framingham.
Devin's mom, Christine Soutter Suau, said her son had "an unbelievable impact" in his short life.
"We are so grateful to all who are helping to carry his legacy forward. We want to thank Devin's Army, the City of Boston and all those who have supported us and our family. The fight continues at #WhyNotDevin. Much love and kindness," she said.
Devin's family, which includes his parents James and Christine, and brothers Brenden, Owen, and Colin, plan to continue to raise awareness about DIPG.
"We fought this last 9 months for Devin, but from here on out we are continuing this fight for everybody else,” said Christine Suau.
In addition to "Devin Suau Day," some major Massachusetts landmarks will be lit up green on Friday — Devin's favorite color, including Government Center, South Station, Zakim Bridge, all in Boston, and Burns Bridge in Worcester.
