Christopher McCormick, a heart and double lung transplant recipient had the last word over his doctors for most of his 19 years.  Doctors told his parents that their son, who was born with a heart condition(Pulmonary Hypertension) that seriously threatened his lungs, wouldn't make it to age 5, he did.  Then they said that he would be lucky to make it to his 12th birthday, it to went by.  Not bad for someone who had heart surgery as a baby and had to go through several  years of life relying on an oxygen tank to get extra air into his improverished lungs.

Christopher died Sunday three years after his life saving transplant surgery in London, Ontario, He was 19.  Even at the end he tried to have the last word over his doctors, who knew that the battle was over.  "His body was fighting so much to stay alive." his father Phillip McCormick said."  But he new at this stage there were no alternatives, and there was no hope for a re-transplant, or that he would ever wake up.  He was so susceptible to infections, he didn't have a fighting chance," his father added. But he was a fighter right to the end.   Horror movies, The Phantom of the Opera helped Christopher get through his difficult  life. He loved them, "He loved them," his father said.

Staff at the Health Science Centre in London, Ontario even set up a TV and VCR for him in the Intensive care room after his transplant.  Christopher also loved Tarzan, One of the highlights of his life was a trip to Los Angeles sponsored by The Childrens Wish Foundation, where he got to meet his idol, actor Wolf Larson who portrayed Tarzan on the television series.  Education was a challenge because of the constant need for treatment and repeated hospital stays, But that didn't stop him from learning." his Mother Violet McCormick said." he liked to read books and draw it helped to keep his mind active.

She said the transplant allowed Christopher to experience more independence and energy than he had ever enjoyed before in his life. He was able to go for walks for a couple of years before he had to resort to a scooter. He could go out to meet friends and could breath easier. The McCormicks still remember Feb.23,1997, the day they brought their son home after six months in the hospital, including 3 months on a respirator.  There were times we never dreamed that our son would ever leave the hospital alive, and the doctors were surprised,too" his father said." even Christopher was flabbergasted." Some people say it was a miracle that he survived. "Violet McCormick says nurses at the London Hospital nick-named her  son "Super Trooper" because he took three months on the respirator in the intensive and beat it.

"IGuess he wasn't ready to die then....he was just too stubborn." The years have
understandably been difficult for both parents. I will remember the fact that we had  3 extra years with him.  "Phillip McCormick said," the majority of the time was good.  There were times he was going so much, so active, he made both of us tired just watching him."  Alvin Lee, 44, says he is going to miss his young friend, who inspired him to have a similar heart and double lung transplant. Lee, who lives in Hamilton, Ontario introduced himself to Christopher about 2 years ago after overhearing him talking about transplants. At the time, Lee was concerned about the great risks involved. But after talking to Chris he went  ahead and a year later he had no complications or rejections.

Chris gave me inspiration, and he gave me confidence to, "Lee said in a telephone interview.  He told me to try it and not be afraid, "That positive attitude, and the courage he had, it was insurmountable, it was unbelievable, Lee added, "Its not everyday you meet somebody like Chris.
 
 

 
 

A POEM FROM CHRIS' AUNT GINA

~IN LOVING MEMORY OF A SON~

If we could have a lifetime wish 
a dream that could come true 
We would pray to God with all our hearts 
for yesterday and you 
A thousand words can't bring you back 
we know because we've tried 
Neither will a thousand tears. 
we know because we've cried 
You left behind our broken hearts 
and happy memories to 
But we never wanted memories 
we only wanted you 
Your resting place we'll visit 
place flowers there with loving care 
It broke our hearts to lose you 
But you didn't go alone 
For part of us went with you 
The day God called you home 
 
 

 
 

God saw that you were getting tired
 And a cure was not to be
 So he rapped you in his loving arms
 And whispered" come to me"

 You suffered much in silence
 Your spirit did not bend
 You faced your pain with courage
 Until the very end

 You tried so hard to stay with us
 Our loss became Heaven's gain
 Your golden heart stop beating
Your gentle hands rest

 Though your smile is gone forever
 And your hand we cannot touch
 Still we have the memories of you
The son we love so very much

 Your memory is our keepsake
With which we'll never part
 God took you in his loving arms
 And freed you from your pain

 God has you in his keeping
 We have you in our hearts

 
 

~IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY~
~Author Unknown~

If tears could build a stairway
and memories were a lane
I could walk right up to Heaven
and bring you home again.

No farewell words were spoken
no time to say good-bye
you were gone before I knew it
and only God knows why.

My heart's still active in sadness
and secret tears still flow
what it meant to lose you
no one can ever know.

But now I know you want us
to mourn for you no more
to remember all the happy times
life still has much in store

Since you'll never be forgotten
I pledge to you today
a hallowed place within my heart
is where you'll always stay.
 
 

~WISHING YOU WERE HERE~

 
 

~JOSHUA EUGENE HEDGLIN~

~AMANDA SKONIECZNY~

"HEAVEN'S WARRIORS" MEMORIAL INDEX PAGE