Ethan Ernest Rivard
Ethan Ernest Rivard was born on April 6, 2003, to Tom and Natalie Rivard in Syracuse, NY. Ethan was an exceptional baby, speaking his first words at 7 months old and literally calling his doctor by name at his 1 year well visit. By 18 months old, however, Ethan began displaying peculiar symptoms, like keeping his head tilted to one side and losing his balance for no reason. It was discovered that Ethan had a major tumor of the brain and spine, requiring immediate life-threatening surgery. The tumor was medulloblastoma, a vicious cancer and would require a year of further procedures, high dose chemotherapies, stem cell transplant, and radiation. After a year of torment and a great deal of time spent in the hospital, he had made it through with no signs of tumor.
Life was stable for many years. He would live to welcome and adore his sister, Lyla (now 17), and brother, Lucas (now 15). He loved comics, movies, all things Marvel, and music. Hewould never take a shower without his Bluetooth speaker playing his songs. His favoritesincluded Gorillaz, The Airborne Toxic Event, Wu Tang Clan, and The Head and The Heart. He loved attending concerts, and he was able to see all of these bands (except for Wu Tang).
As a teenager, his humor led him to fall in love with the likes of South Park and Rick and Morty. He always appreciated a crude joke and made all those around him laugh. Ethan’s time spent with Camp Good Days were some of the most special of his life. He made an indelible mark on those around him and could not wait for the next camp event or sleep over week. We will forever be grateful to all the wonderful volunteers and staff that make Camp Good Days so special to kids that are going through this terrible disease.
Just after Ethan’s 20th birthday in April of 2023, he began to get symptoms resembling a stomach bug. When they persisted, he was taken to the ER. That is when it was discovered that Ethan had a devastating new brain tumor, ATRT, that was incurable for him. We lost our beautiful, hilarious boy on July 22, 2023. He left this world with his trademark side smirk on his face, as if he were already cracking jokes with the loved ones that went before him. He continues to send us messages, signs, and dreams to let us know he is close, even though his absence is crushingly felt every day. The mark he left on this world and in so many hearts ensure that he will live on. Until we meet up again in our forever…
