Community mourns passing of young cancer patient, Weston Rock
Thousands of people fell in love with Weston Rock over the past two years, and most never met him.
The son of David and Rebecca (Angle) Rock was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer at 10-months-old. The family shared his journey through treatment on the Facebook page Wishes for Weston. Over 9,100 people ‘liked’ the page.
Monday Weston died at Hershey Medical Center. He would have been 3 on March 14. The announcement to the community came on the Facebook post, “Our family is deeply grieving, but we are also thanking God for allowing us to love such a special little boy.”
Supportive friends...
Cindy Leckron was a Facebook friend, but also has known the parents for many years. Dave and her daughter Melissa became friends in kindergarten at Shady Grove Elementary, and Becky joined the group at Greencastle-Antrim Middle School. When Melissa died in a car accident at age 16, the circle of friends was very supportive.
Dave put his football jersey on her grave.
“That’s how much he cared about her. They were so good to her and so good to us,” Leckron said. “Weston’s death hurts so bad because we know what it’s like. Now they are in the same situation, losing a child.”
...and family...
Through all the updates on Weston’s progress, he was pictured as a smiling little boy. His aunt Angie Fluent verified his upbeat attitude.
“For every second I ever spent singing songs, baking cupcakes, making ‘roni ‘n cheese, and fixing his cars in the backyard, I was given the greatest blessing,” she said. “He gave the world a wonderful example of smiling in the face of adversity. He loved his mommy, daddy and brothers so very much. That laugh totally lit up a room. Heaven is the only place good enough for a guy like Weston.”
...and community
Greencastle and surrounding communities rallied for the Rocks. Fundraisers included a fun run, lemonade stand, a BBQ and silent auction, and an ongoing Wishes for Weston account at giveforward.com. Many people sent cards and gifts to the tot and entire family. The youngster was present for Jingle Bell Rock for Weston on Kaley Field Dec. 19.
Weston’s funeral is Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Mercersburg.
