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First Posted: 1/8/2014

It’s rather unusual to measure the life of a 14-year-old by what he achieved and who he inspired. But at a memorial Mass for Eric Speicher on Dec. 26, those gathered reflected on the life of a young man who had an impact far beyond his years.

“No words are as important as your very presence here today,” said Msgr. John Sempa addressing those who filled Corpus Christi Parish, Immaculate Conception Church, West Pittston. “Each one of you has come to honor Eric’s life.”

Many of those in attendance at the memorial service were students at Wyoming Area Secondary Center. Young people, unfamiliar with death, courageously entered the church, many with tears in their eyes, determined to honor their friend and support his family.

The service provided an opportunity for friends and family to express grief at the loss of a young man who fought a brave battle against anaplastic grade 3 ependymoma, a rare type of cancer. It also served as a celebration of Eric’s life and memory which will forever enrich the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Eric died on Dec. 23.

Grandmother Rosalie Cullagh remembers Eric’s first round of radiation in 2011 at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. When his sixth and final treatment was complete, he returned to the Wyoming Valley and immediately began helping family members in the flood plain move their belongings to safety. That’s who Eric was.

“He was a kind, gentle, good (person) with a huge heart,” said Cullagh. “He was always thinking of others.”

Eric also loved sports, serving as manager of Wyoming Area’s freshman basketball team and filling a catcher’s position in the West Pittston Little League.

Looking back on Eric’s participation as manager and statistician, Wyoming Area varsity basketball coach Al Brogna said, “Eric was a great team player. He loved when he and his friends did well and especially when his basketball and baseball teams won their games. He had a great personality and a witty sense of humor. He was a pleasure to coach and was fun to be around. He will truly be missed.”

Freshman coach Pete Sulla said what impressed him most about Eric was his determination to continue being a part of the team, even as he underwent treatment.

“He got along very well with the other players,” said Sulla. “Our basketball players are like family to each other. He will be truly missed by both the staff and fellow players.”

Eric’s legacy continues to inspire Wyoming Area basketball players. Players recently began sporting T-shirts which say: “Warriors Wear Grey and Gold for Eric,” in support of research for both brain and pediatric cancer. The t-shirts also bear Eric’s number “34” on the back as a tribute to his part on the team.

Eric’s favorite professional teams were the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

During his two and a half year battle with cancer, he was surrounded by family and friends who encouraged and supported him. Cullagh remembers making the trip to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York as often as twice a week.

“We made the trip so often,” she said, “it seems my car automatically took me there.”

Even though those trips were difficult, she said Eric made a point of enjoying the city, especially Times Square.

Eric took advantage of every moment of his short life. He never let the fact that he had cancer define him. He was forever helpful and kind to those around him, with a willingness to participate until the very end.

One fellow student remembered Eric, even when he was compromised by his illness, helping her navigate her way through the high school building. That’s how Eric will be remembered by fellow classmates: as a courageous helper.

Although his family found the last 2 ½ years difficult, they said neither Eric or any of them ever felt alone. Friends and family were quick to offer to accompany him to treatments or to simply spend time with him.

His parents, Eric Sr., and Jessica, made sure Eric was never alone. Both were willing to go to any length to seek state-of-art treatment wherever and whenever it was available to their son.

The community also fully supported Eric and his family during their courageous battle, raising money to help the family with various expenses incurred during his treatment.

Cullagh also credits Immaculate Conception Church, where Eric was an altar server and a very active member of the youth group, with offering moral and spiritual support.

“I remember one day when Jessica’s spirits were low, Msgr. Sempa just ‘appeared’ at exactly the time when she needed him,” said Cullagh. “I can’t say enough about how wonderful he is and he was with our family every step of the way. He embodies what a priest/monsignor should be.”

Reflecting Eric’s desire to help others, the family hopes to start an organization to raise money for pediatric cancer research.

“Research for pediatric cancer is seriously underfunded because it is classified as ‘rare’,” said Cullagh. “We want to fill that void through future fund raising.”

It’s easy to think that Eric spent the last 2 ½ years of his life dying. But in the eyes of all who knew him, he spent his final years living and, just as importantly, teaching others to live.