Ewan Lill had a way of charming people and capturing hearts. He had a winning combination of a sweet smile, bright, blue eyes, an inquisitive mind, and a happ
y spirit. He loved Harry Potter, superheroes, puzzles and board games, Legos, and his “cutie girl” dog Poppy.
Ewan was a third grader at Lakeridge elementary, and for nearly the last two years, he battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Some of our readers may have learned about Ewan through the story we published last year by Hilary Benson, “Local Elementary Students Brace(let) to Fight Cancer,” and other blog posts. Ewan was loved and supported by his friends and fellow classmates, teachers, staff, and Lakeridge families. Bright orange bracelets, printed with “K-Kids Cure Cancer,” were the hot accessory at school last spring, sold by a school club to raise money for leukemia research.
Others may have learned of his battle at the Mercer Island Youth & Family Services (MIYFS) Foundation Annual Breakfast, in which his mother Jenny shared about the invaluable support and services her family has received from MIYFS.
Without ever knowing it, Ewan touched many lives. He lost his battle against leukemia and passed away on May 7th, but he will continue to be cherished in the hearts of all who knew him and who knew of his brave journey.
A Remembrance Service is planned for Sunday, May 20th, at 5 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Reception, from 6 to 7 pm, at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, located at 3605 84th Ave SE, Mercer Island.
Both events are open to everyone who cares about Ewan and his family. All ages are welcome.The Lill family invites guests to wear “Team Ewan” shirts; Harry Potter wardrobes, superhero, or Star Wars costumes; Mercer Island sports team shirts; or anything else that reminds them of Ewan.
No flowers, please. In lieu of flowers, you may bring unopened Lego sets to be donated to Seattle Children’s Hospital in Ewan’s name. Or make a donation to a Team Ewan fund at Seattle Children’s Hospital established to help support continued improvement in immunotherapy for childhood leukemia.
How to Help & Support the Harrington-Lill Family
While Ewan was battling leukemia and now as we grieve his loss, many of us are looking for ways to help his family. They have requested no flowers, but here are some suggestions shared by Jenny and others close to Ewan:
- Lotsahelpinghands “Team Ewan” – there are many volunteer opportunities through this online caring community
- Donate to the Team Ewan Seattle Children’s Hospital Guild, which raises money to improve CAR T therapy treatment of leukemia
- Purchase a Team Ewan T-Shirt – all proceeds donated to the Team Ewan Seattle Children’s Hospital Guild (adult sizes / kid sizes)
- Participate and/or donate to Team Ewan / Fred Hutch Obliteride
- Participate and/or donate to Team Ewan / Swim Across America
- Pave the way forward for the schools Ewan loved. Purchase an Islander Middle School Legacy Brick in Ewan’s name.
- Help others who may be battling leukemia – sign up to be a marrow donor www.bethematch.org and give blood often www.bloodworksnw.org
- Friends of Ewan are invited to share memories (photos and video), notes of love, and continued to support to Ewan’s brothers and sister. More details on Team Ewan on Facebook
Team Ewan friends and supporters have also shared this resource for helping grieving children and teenagers. If you have any questions or messages that you would like to share with the Harrington-Lill family, you may send them to [email protected]
