Public encouraged to honor student's memory

In recent days, many kind tributes have been made to the memory of Byron Goundrey, an 18-year-old Rutgers University student who lived with spinal muscular dystrophy. Every one of those words captured the essence of Byron - caring, brilliant, "can do" attitude, and so very many others that would have really annoyed him. To Byron, those words should have been intended for someone else, because Byron did not see himself in that way. Instead, Byron saw himself as a regular guy who happened to get around in a wheelchair.

This young man did not happen to develop his outlook on life by accident. Anyone who knows his family would agree, Byron was able to develop into the most awesome young man thanks to the love and support of Gene and Kathy, his parents. And I know Byron would agree that it was because of his parents and their unwavering support that he was able to become the Byron those who knew him respected, admired, and loved. Byron did not become a social activist by accident - he learned this from the values he had been taught at home.

From diagnosis to death, Gene and Kathy never treated Byron differently from other kids. He went outside to play, he had a dog, he went to camp, he went to public school, he went to college - Byron did whatever he wanted to do because they would not ever take no for an answer. Gene and Kathy learned everything there is to know about Byron's condition and about his rights; they ensured that he got to grow up like everyone else - there was never any other option.

And most importantly, Gene and Kathy did this in the most loving, unassuming, respectful ways possible; they truly are the most humble, kind, giving people. During Byron's last hospital stay, Gene and Kathy offered strength to Byron's visitors; they welcomed one and all - family, friends, classmates, teachers - to spend time with Byron. They could not have been any more selfless - at a time when they could have been privately mourning, they shared their precious son with his community. And we thank them for that.

Honoring Byron's memory is certainly appropriate, and honoring Byron's parents' wishes is truly the best way to do that at this time. In addition to respecting Byron's request to serve as an organ donor, Gene and Kathy have established a scholarship fund at North Brunswick Township High School. Anyone interested in making a donation to this fund in Byron's memory and to thank Gene and Kathy for unselfishly sharing him with the community is invited to do so: Byron Goundrey Scholarship Fund, c/o 2 Bruce Court. Milltown 08850.

I am a better person because of my longtime relationship with the Goundrey family. And I know that those who loved Byron will ensure that progress toward the important work that he left undone will continue. Gene and Kathy will make certain of that.

Barbara Piparo-Walls

Milltown