HOLLIS- Jeffrey James Davis, age 6, passed away peacefully in his mother’s arms on Nov. 5, 2015 at Maine Medical Center after a courageous battle with illnesses and relapsed leukemia. He was born in Portland on Nov. 13, 2008, the son of Carrie (Severance) Davis and Andrew R. Davis.
Up until a short time ago, Jeffrey was attending first grade at Hollis Elementary School. Jeffrey was battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia for a second time. He was being hospitalized at Maine Medical Center for neutropenia and intermittent fevers. On October 31 he suffered a stroke. The stroke was devastating to his small fragile body, and other complications made it difficult for him to be treated. There were many doctors, nurses and specialists at the ICU at Maine Medical Center who gave it their very best and I am so appreciative for their efforts. I prayed with all my heart that he would not be taken away from me. But all my prayers were not enough. I know what a fighter Jeffrey was and told him I knew if he could, he would. I told him it was ok to let go and I promised him that I would be ok. I wanted him to leave with peace.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a mother. I was blessed to have Jeffrey in my life for almost 7 years. And I unfortunately have learned that sometimes we have to let go of things we love even when we don’t feel ready. I know how much he loved me and I am going to miss him terribly. I pray that he is free of pain and pokes, is taking care of babies that were also taken too soon, and giving all his love to others in Heaven.
In his short life he demonstrated such tenacity, love and determination. He was a typical boy in some regards, but his overwhelming desire to give was one trait that I was most proud of. He and I shared a tremendous bond that was more than him being a Mama’s boy. He was so thoughtful and considerate and on numerous occasions when given an opportunity to buy something for himself, he wanted to get something for me as well. One most recent example would be after a rather painful dressing/needle change I gave him money to buy something for himself in the gift shop at the hospital. When he returned he had an Angel coin for me, a mug that said, “Mother always in my heart”, and a box of chocolates (which was during a time he was not able to eat). Immediately upon opening it I said I would save it for when we could share it, and he said I knew you would say that.
Jeffrey’s optimistic outlook of life was contagious. From the time of first diagnosis, people told me how strong I was. In reality, it was through looking into my baby boy’s eyes and watching him just accept it, that I could be strong. From the time he was a little, my favorite song to sing to him was “You are my sunshine”. He was, and will always be my whole world. He completed me in a way that I don’t know enough time will ever pass to fill that void that his passing has caused.
Jeffrey was just 2 ½ years old when we learned he had Leukemia. It was devastating for all of us to know what Jeffrey would have to endure. It was hard at the beginning, as he was scared and didn’t understand. But after a short time, he just accepted it. He accepted that this was the way it was going to be and when he could, he lived life to the fullest. I was more cautious with his condition, but I tried so incredibly hard to have him be a kid. One day after watching Arthur, he saw a segment about karate and asked if he could do that. I called the next day and spoke to Aaron Parker, at Saco River Martial Arts. While Jeffrey went to karate to help compensate the loss of muscle tone from chemo, more importantly it was for him to feel like a normal boy who got to choose things that made them happy. Sensei had done an amazing job with Jeffrey in the 2 years he got to work with him.
Jeffrey was deemed clear of cancer in August 2014. I could not celebrate, I could not tell him he was done, I just told him we were done for now. I have always feared that it would come back and no amount of reassurance from others would be able to take that fear away. What I chose to do was to allow Jeffrey more opportunities to enjoy life more than he could before. We were able to make plans and not worry about what if he got a fever, we got to go places without having to know where the closest hospital was, we got to be free.
During that time of freedom, Jeffrey wanted to be involved in every sport he could. He was on a bowling league, did soccer, basketball and baseball and continued with karate. If there was something being offered….he wanted to do it. And for all the lost opportunities of getting to choose those things, I wanted him to have that.
Eleven months later, I brought Jeffrey to Mercy Quick Care for persistent leg pain. Knowing Jeffrey’s history, I demanded blood work. That night, July 25, 2015 we received a phone call that Jeffrey’s counts were abnormal. It was not until it was confirmed the next day at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital that I had to tell Jeffrey. I truly thought that would be the hardest thing I would ever have to do as his mom. It was heartbreaking to me to have to tell him that the normal childhood he so desperately wanted and deserved, was being altered once again. Once again, Jeffrey accepted it. He never asked why? He just wanted to know if he was going to lose his hair and get fat again.
The community outpouring of support for Jeffrey and I, was very humbling. Jeffrey loved the idea that he was on TV and that people were talking about him on the news. I was just proud to be part of such an amazing community who in time of crisis, really comes together. I wish to thank all those people that raised money, gave money, or contributed in any way.
I wish to thank Elizabeth and Scott Saunders of Hollis, who chose to nominate Jeffrey to become an Honorary Truck Driver through the Walmart Heart Program. He was sponsored by Walmart truck driver, Rob Fernald of Westbrook. On October 17, Jeffrey was given an unforgettable day at the Scarborough Walmart. Jeffrey was truly blessed to have been given such a day in which all cancer thoughts were forgotten, and he was simply the star of the show. He felt well and while he typically can be shy around others, he showed them his true personality. His love of life and being a kid were very evident that day. I am so thankful that he had that day.
I also wish to thank all the nurses and staff of the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, who created such an environment, that Jeffrey actually looked forward to going there. I wish to thank all the oncologists and staff at Maine Children’s Cancer Program as well. Jeffrey looked forward to going there as well. It is the world that he knew for he spent a large amount of time there. Both places became like second families us.
He is survived by his beloved mother Carrie Davis of Hollis and father Andrew Davis of Biddeford; maternal grandparents- Ben and Sandra Severance of Hollis; aunt and uncle- Jennifer and Shawn Markham of Hollis; cousins- Samantha and Morgan; and many dear friends, loving healthcare providers and supporters.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 11 AM – 1 PM, followed by a 1 PM funeral service at the Hollis Center Baptist Church, Rt. 202/Hollis Road. Burial for the immediate family will follow the funeral at Bear Hill Cemetery in Hollis.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home's website, www.mainefuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be given to Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital or Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
Maine Medical Center
Development Office
c/o Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital
22 Bramhall Street
Portland, Maine 04102
Maine Children’s Cancer Program
100 U.S. 1
Scarborough, ME 04074