Last updated January 9, 2006.

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This is a tribute to Sean Christian, who was born January 8, 1990 and died January 5, 2006. Our friend Sean died of leukemia on January 5th, 2006. He almost made it to his 16th birthday on January 8th. But he did a lot of things in his 15 years on earth, more than what a lot of people have done, or are able to do. Here are a few of his stories so you know about him.We can all learn from Sean, and that is to Make Every Day Count.

Sean was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, also known as pre-leukemia, when he was 11. He was in and out of hospitals pretty much most of the time after that - St. Joe's in Tampa, All Childrens in St. Pete, and as far away as Boston Children's Hospital. He had a bone marrow transplant in Boston in 2002. This gave him 2 1/2 more years to be a kid. He dealt with some things that he had no control over. But all the while he was a giving, caring person. He never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him. He just wanted to make every day count.

For someone who probably wasn't feeling too well most of the time, he sure got around. You'll see some of the pictures of his adventures on this website. When the doctors told him this past summer that the leukemia was taking over his body, he stopped treatments. He was supposed to get a stem cell transplant but it was canceled because of his worsening condition. That was when the doctors told him and his family to make every day count. And he did.

Conan O'Brien called him in the hospital. Even though it was supposed to be a surprise, his family had to let the nurses know or else they might have thought it was a prank caller. Conan invited him to New York to see his show and get a behind-the-scenes tour. They spent some time together backstage, in the room where all the celebrities hang out. Sean was a big fan of Conan's. The Make-a-Wish Foundation helped Sean get to New York to see Ground Zero, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. He fell in love with NY hotdogs, and left a special message at Ground Zero. He went to Colorado to spend time with his cousins, and went to the top of the Rocky Mountains at some 14,000 feet. A friend of his Uncle's who is a pilot took him flying in the mountains and let Sean fly the plane for a while. Another pilot let him fly a simulator AirBus. Sean's Dad took him to a Lightning game, and then Sean and his brother Danny were able to meet some of the players in the locker room after the game. Sean bought a Lightning collar for his dog Roxy while he was there.

Sean liked doing everyday kid things, too. He love to swim, loved the beach, and when he was feeling better, loved to play tennis. Taking a whack at tennis balls probably made him feel better, and stronger. He loved to play X-box games and watch a good movie. Sean made it through Christmas, and wanted to be sure everyone had something special from him. In his weak state, he shopped for his Mom to get her something special. He also wanted to be sure his brother Danny got an X-Box for Christmas, even though he had a Playstation 2. He must have known he was dying, and now he was making every minute count.

We will miss Sean, but we want his memory to continue. Tell your friends about him. Have them read his story, and see his pictures. Tell them to make sure they take Sean's advice, and Make Every Day Count.

Info regarding his funeral and viewing can be found here.

Thanks to all who attended the viewing and everyone who came to the funeral.