Anthony Negrin, gone too soon
I received some heartbreaking news as Anthony Negrin passed away.
He was a neighbor of mine who had a lifelong battle with a rare blood disease. Anthony fought so hard, and everyone would be proud to know the way he took on the challenge.
Anthony was an outstanding young man with tremendous versatility. He played the violin, competed in tennis and basketball, and truly enjoyed life. His brothers are members of the Bradenton Christian HS basketball team. Prior to coming down with this rare disease, Anthony also played on his high school hoop squad.
He was a guy who captivated many in our community. Over the past few years, he joined his family at the Dick Vitale gala, showing his fighting spirit as we raised money to battle cancer.
Anthony had such tenacity, showing a desire to go on with his life. He would never accept the pain and hurt he was facing, simply battling on until the tragic end.
I got to know his dad, Sergio; he's an assistant coach at Bradenton Christian, where he works under head coach and former Kansas Jayhawk David Magley. Anthony's father was so proud of his son.
Over the years, Anthony had three bone marrow transplants. He just kept fighting and fighting, before losing his battle.
He was a young man, but because of his journey, he will help many others. We are trying to raise $1 million for pediatric cancer research. The Dick Vitale gala is an event that tries to get the dollars needed so that we can beat these dreaded diseases. It is so sad to know a young man has left us way too soon.
Anyone who would like to help us so that we can have a positive moment instead of sad news like this can donate c/o The V Foundation, c/o Dick Vitale gala, 7810 Mathern Court, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34210.
Help youngsters out there so they don't have to go to chemo and radiation. Let's provide the necessary funds to the research experts who can go out and find a cure.
I know the economy is tough, but nothing is worse than losing a young one. If you could have heard the voice of Sergio Negrin following his son's passing, you realize how your problems are really small.
What makes this story an even greater nightmare for the Negrins, Anthony's brothers, Jonathan and Jordan, have a difficult situation. One of them is carrying the same gene as Anthony, but it has not been activated yet. Let's pray it never does.
I was lucky to know Anthony Negrin. The young man was a winner in life. May he rest in peace.
