Mayor Walsh, Suau family honor October 27 as Devin Suau Day

BOSTON - Friday, October 27, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Suau family today recognized October 27 as Devin Suau Day, remembering 6-year-old Devin Suau, who passed away from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) just this week. Friday would have been Devin's seventh birthday. In honor of Devin, Mayor Walsh and the Suau family encourage all residents to perform an act of kindness today, sharing the #WhyNotDevin moment to honor Devin's own acts of kindness.

 

City Hall will be lit green this weekend to raise awareness for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), in addition to the Government Center MBTA Station, South Station, TD Garden, Zakim Bridge, Hancock Tower, Prudential Center, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Fenway Park, Liberty Mutual, National Grid Gas Tank and Rowes Wharf.

 

"Devin captured the hearts of all who met him," said Mayor Walsh. "On Devin's birthday, I join his family in honoring a kind, strong, brave little boy who left us far too soon. As a survivor of childhood cancer myself, my heart is with Devin's family as they continue to fight for all children diagnosed with DIPG, and work towards a cure. Today, I ask everyone who can to perform an act of kindness, remembering Devin Suau."

 

"In honor of Devin's birthday today we are asking others to give the gift of kindness," said Christine Soutter Suau, Devin's mom. "Devin had an unbelievable impact in less than seven years of his life, and we are so grateful to all who are helping to carry his legacy forward. We want to thank Devin's Army, the City of Boston and all those who have supported us and our family. The fight continues at #WhyNotDevin. Much love and kindness."

 

Devin was well-loved by all who met him, and together with his family, raised awareness of DIPG. Devin served as a Captain of Tom Brady's duck boat in the Patriots 2017 Super Bowl rolling rally celebration; served as the Framingham Police Chief for a day; acted as the leader of the Boston St. Patrick's Day parade; served as the honorary Boston Police Commissioner for a day; received a blessing from The Pope in Italy; served as the Chief Mail Carrier for Framingham, MA; and has a children's book written about him.

 

Devin's family -- his brothers Brenden, age 8; Owen, age 10; Colin, age 12; and parents, James and Christine -- will continue to raise awareness about DIPG.

 

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a highly aggressive, inoperable type of pediatric brain cancer found in the pons areas of the brainstem, which is a critical area for life. The families of children diagnosed with DIPG have very few options because there is no effective treatment protocol for long term survival. DIPG families' only option is to pay to participate in expensive experimental clinical trials, which insurance does not cover. For more information about DIPG, please visit:  

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