Damian 'Junior' Wroblewski
It’s done. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7 NKJV
Damian Michael Wroblewski Jr. did just that on his cancer journey.
Today he can rest peacefully in the company of Jesus Christ in God’s Kingdom. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he answered: “Happy.” So, when you think of him, smile. He brought joy into this world from the moment he was born. He joked and laughed often. Throughout his cancer journey, he found smiles and reasons to be happy. When we close our eyes, Kara and I can hear all of his different laughs from a baby to a teen.
Junior constantly thought of others saying, “maybe this can help another kid in the future” with regard to his clinical trial treatment and research fundraising. He told other kids with cancer to “keep living and have fun no matter what.” We can all help with raising awareness and funds for pediatric brain tumor research. It needs more. Help a kid if you can. Give whatever you can. That’s what Junior did.
As sad as we are, we are even more proud of our son and how he lived. His faith in Christ Jesus is inspirational, bravely living with faith over fear (Psalm 34:4) and putting all his worries in God because He loves us (1 Peter 5:7).
He loved going fast, running and racing. Whenever we wanted him to do something, we’d make it a race. The only race we ever wanted him to lose to us was going to heaven. Like skiing, he beat me. We will see you when we get there.
We love you Champ.
Damian Michael Wroblewski Jr.
August 2, 2008 - June 22, 2024
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In late October of 2021, as Damian was finishing cross-country season and working out with his dad when they noticed his right foot began to not work correctly. This observation led to a series of tests, scans, MRIs, doctor’s visits, and, culminated in brain surgery and a Biopsy at UVA. With each step, Damian and his parents learned more detail of the tumor and its properties. On December 17, 2021, they were informed that it was a high-grade glioma. Damian then began treatment at Children’s National in DC. The Wroblewski's feel very blessed to have been able to use both hospitals and their doctors and staff. Through a collaborative effort of surgeons, neurologists, and oncologists, the plan of standard radiation and a clinical trial (“Targeted Therapy”) began. Along the way, they faced many difficult questions and complicated situations but are also grateful to have met many beautiful and encouraging people. Damian's parents noted, "When we visit the hospitals and see other children fighting their own battle against this disease, it opens our hearts and makes us want to fight more."
In the summer of 2022, Damian decided to help other children fighting cancer and began a fundraising campaign through Children’s National to raise awareness and money for pediatric brain tumor research. Damian continues to go to school and be as active and involved as he can be with the ups and downs of the medications.