Adrian's Story

My son, Adrian Gomez, loved life in a way that showed up in everything he did. He was happiest outdoors– camping, hiking, and collecting rocks– and had a natural curiosity for the world around him. He loved animals, bugs, Pokémon, Mario Bros., and, of course, his stuffed animals. Adrian looked forward to the Erie County Fair, church lawn fêtes, and any event that included balloon animals or a bounce house. He had a special gift for bringing smiles to the faces of friends and strangers alike and was always eager to help others.

In 2020, our world shifted in ways we never could have imagined. As the world went into isolation during COVID, Adrian began his fight against rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Our family moved through those years together as a small, close unit, leaning on support that often came from a distance while navigating the uncertainty of treatment and daily life, but P.U.N.T. was there for us every step of the way.

After two years of courage and resilience, including a six-month period of remission, Adrian passed away in December 2022 at the age of eight. The grief that followed was profound. But unlike before, we didn't have to walk through our journey alone. The support we received from other bereaved families through P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative helped carry us through in ways words can’t fully capture.

When conversations began about a grief center, we immediately understood how meaningful it would be. Through our region’s first peer-support grief center, Western New York Compassion Connection: A Center for Grieving Children and Families, families just like ours have been able to find hope, healing, and shared community after loss.

There is no better way to honor Adrian than by helping create a space for others who are navigating loss– a place rooted in love, understanding, and the reminder that even in grief, there are still moments of light and connection.

-Adrian's Mom, Diane Sojka

Remembering Adrian Gomez (August 27, 2014 - December 28, 2022)

Adrian's Midway Magic

A Carnival Legacy Event In Memory of Adrian Gomez