Eagle deeply saddened at death of brave young man
No one could explain why 9-year-old Aiden Bartley contracted a disease only found in adults.
That’s why pediatric oncologists across the U.S. didn’t have a definitive treatment to fight his pancreatic cancer.
But Aiden’s parents, Michael and Megan Bartley, of Butler, never for one moment considered laying down their swords against the cruel disease, which finally and tragically claimed the life of their son on Sept. 17.
Likely buoyed by the relentlessness and tireless dedication of his parents to finding a cure for him, Aiden fought bravely against the adult disease.
The Eagle covered many of Aiden’s fundraisers and milestones as his parents took him to Philadelphia and later, California, for treatment.
The Butler community, as usual, turned out in spades for the little boy with the infectious smile, so his parents could continue their quest to find a successful treatment.
Fundraisers were packed with the Bartley’s friends and family members, but also with strangers who simply wanted to help in some way.
After the Butler Intermediate High student and avid Pokemon fan lost his hard-fought battle last week, the Bartleys immediately thought of other children, even in their unimaginable grief.
The Bartleys decided to donate Aiden’s tumor to the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center in the hope research will prevent another family from losing their child to such an aggressive disease.
The Eagle applauds the Bartleys while grieving alongside them after their loss. Such tireless advocacy for their little boy as they struggled to find treatment, then the selfless decision to donate his tumor are beyond courageous.
We wish Godspeed to Aiden, who many would say is now free of cancer, jaundice, weakness and illness. We hope he is playing an eternal game of dek hockey in the sky.
And we wish healing and peace to the Bartley family, who never, ever gave up on their son.
— PG
