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After A Seven-Year Battle With Cancer, Kyle McGetrick Passes Away

Friends and supporters of the 12-year-old who inspired the town with his strength and courage will hold a candle lighting event tonight for one of Barnegat's dearest residents.

 

After battling with cancer for seven years, 12-year-old Kyle McGetrick of Barnegat died Tuesday at 1 p.m.

During his battle, which the doctors did not foresee would last as long as it had, his family said, McGetrick had inspired his entire town with his strength and courage.

Barnegat's entire community showed support, as Kyle's terminal disease slowly consumed him. Friends, family and hundreds of residents from the area and beyond cheered Kyle on as he held on to life for as long as he could.

Kyle was diagnosed at the age of 5.

"He could have succumbed to it five years ago," Gene McGetrick, Kyle's father told Patch this morning. "They sent him home from the hospital in December telling us that he probably wouldn’t live till the New Year. But he was a fighter. Even yesterday, at the house, he fought to the end."

That's been Kyle's nature, always, said McGetrick, 39.

"His motto was never to give up," McGetrick said.

His friends and supporters created an initiative called "Courage for Kyle," but in his last days Kyle wanted to change it to "Courage from Kyle," McGetrick said. Kyle wanted to pass his courage on to others.

"One of his couple of last wishes was that [Courage for Kyle] be turned into another fund to help other kids in Barnegat" McGetrick said. "There are a couple of other families who are dealing with this right now."

"That's Kyle," McGetrick added. "Even though he's gone, he still has that presence."

Kyle's family and his stem cell donor from North Carolina shared Kyle's last moments with him Tuesday, at his home, Gene McGetrick said. He said his son was glad to be home, with his family and friends when the final moments came.

"He told his mom and his sister that he loved us," McGetrick said. "He died as he wanted to."

Audibly struggling with his emotions, McGetrick said he wanted to thank Barnegat for everything the town has done for his son.

"Everything that the town and the community gave, we can’t speak enough of," McGetrick said. "This is truly the best town, anywhere, and on behalf of the whole family we just want to thank everyone."

In particular, McGetrick thanked the fire department, Dee Lynch, the resident who had been the driving force behind "Courage for Kyle," and Ocean of Love, a non-profit organization in Ocean County which provides assistance and support to kids with cancer.

But the support does not stop with Kyle's passing.

One of Kyle's many supporters in the community, Jillian Grobelny, is organizing a candle lighting event for Kyle tonight, to say goodbye while commemorating his life, his courage and his inspiration.

The event will take place at 8 p.m. along Barnegat Boulevard in front of Cecil S. Collins School.

"Anyone and everyone is welcome to come with a candle and light in remembrance of a little boy who has touched all of our lives and has brought our town together as one," said Grobelny of Barnegat. "I dont care if I am standing alone or if there are a million people with me. Kyle deserves it."

About this column: Remembering Kyle McGetrick, an honorary firefighter, a tough kid, this town's hero. Related Topics: Courage for Kyle and Kyle McGetrick

Tom Barrett

10:03 am on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

He deserves peace now after all he went through. May God rest his little soul!

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Colleen

10:27 am on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Now that he is one of Gods Angels, he can watch over his family and guide them in their time of need. My prayers for the McGetrick family while they mourn Kyle's passing and then celebrate his short life!!! R. I. P. Kyle!!!

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Dee

10:50 am on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

To the McGetrick family... Your son has showed so many people what COURAGE really means.. He will forever be in the hearts of this community.. God bless your family. Our prayers will always be with your family as you mourn Kyle's passing and also as we celebrate all Kyle has showed us and taught us!

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Roxy Stout

11:27 am on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

So sad..very sorry for a life lost so soon..
R.I.P. Kyle <3
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

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Thomas Fedorczyk

12:02 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

You are a hero to me & many, many others, Kyle, may you Rest In Peace. You will never be forgotten!

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Holly O'Grady

1:02 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

R.I.P. Kyle. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May all of Gods creatures show the strength and humility that you have shown throughout your young life.

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Kim

1:21 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

kyle was an amazing young man. he showed us how much he wanted to make a change in this small community and he honestly did. he brought together a community and made us a family.

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Vanessa Reigota

2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Kyle you were one amazing little boy. your courage and bravery was outstanding and you will live on forever in all of our hearts. rest in peace little one <3

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knarfie

2:13 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Heartbreaking to see that beautiful little boy who is gone so young. Shame on all of us who complain about the trivial things in life. My thoughts and sympathy with his family who must struggle with this and ask why.

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Jenny Novak

2:38 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Its hard to believe that someone so full of life is gone. Kyle was truly an extraordinary young man. He lived life to the fullest even up to the very end. Just
last week he was at Boy Scouts & we were looking forward to his campout this
Friday night at Mr. Buck's house. He managed to do so many things in his short life.
Since January he attended numerous Boy Scout meetings, worked on his badges &
even attended the Merit Badge Fair at Brackman Middle School. He is truly an inspiration to all of us & we will always remember his "Courage from Kyle." May God
comfort his family, as only He can. We will miss you Kyle. Jenny Novak

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Armando Quiroz

2:59 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Courage - noun. /ˈkərij/ - strength in the face of danger or pain; Kyle McGetrick.

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Deacon Vincent Ricciardi

4:02 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Kyle is another Angel watching over all that he loved. He is now in the hands of God who will guide him in the next life. May his family find Peace and Love at this time of testing and pain. God bless you all. May Kyle rest in Peace.
Deacon Vince Ricciardi, Divine Mercy of New Jersey

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Susan Conway

5:23 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

What an example of a life we should all lead - regardless of its length. It is so hard when a child is lost. The question of what might have been lingers heavy as the residents of Barnegat gather to pay tribute to a child who radiated courage with every fiber of his being. Goodbye Kyle . . . and thank you!

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rachel ann

6:34 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

I remember me n my friends doin the courage for cyle lemonade stand we didn't care if it was humid we wanted him to live but we all pray for him to r.I.p and we pray for his family. I hope that everyone will go tonight at 8

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karabecker

6:36 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

theirs a thing for kyle
at collins at 8 please come still crying i love u kyle 

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Eric Thomas

6:56 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

A lesson in true valor taught to us by one so very, very young. May you rest in peace, Kyle. Your courage will live on as an inspiration to many.

And may we all ask Almighty God to grant humankind the wisdom to prevent and cure the horros of cancer and other devastating diseases.

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kathryn becker

7:03 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

i feel sooooo bad we raised 2000 dollers :) for him

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Sherry Kriss-Dillane

9:52 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. My prayers are with you and your family. One of my friends son is doing a baseball tourdament for childhood cancer at the end of this month.. I will now make that in honor of your son Kyle. May God Bless your family.....

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Patti Basista

10:13 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you. GOD BLESS

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britney adams

11:01 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

kyle,you were my insperation you made this whold town smile your smile lit up the whole universe,you were a great friend an u will be missed forever no one could ever replace you,but u r in a better place now you dont have to shuffer,everytime u look down on us we smile and pray you broughthappiness and courage to many people,you were such a great person you deserved to live but your in a better place where u know ur safe with god.....R.I.P. kyle<333 WE LOVE U!!!<333

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karabecker

11:15 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

i loveeeee kyle hes safe now in heaven so he wont suffer

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Melissa

11:16 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Kyle's story has reached so many......he is a true inspiration to others. Please know his family and friends are in our prayers

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karabecker

11:18 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

when i think of kyle i think of happy things and rainbows and awsome things his smile is perfact he
is mire then a kid he might b difrent but hes sweet loving cheerful and he is the best kyle u rock we all love u sooooooo much

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karabecker

11:20 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

i will never forget kyle :) he is the best thing ever

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Nicole Gomez

11:42 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The candle lighting was amazing and I'm sure Kyle is smiling and is proud of us for coming together. we were once a small little town, but now were a family. and it's all because of Kyle<3 He gave us a reason to be a family, and a reason to live life to the fullest. he is beautiful in his own way and is now in a great place with no pain or sorrow. Kyle, you're my idol and my rolemodel(: You will never be forgotten, your memory will carry on. I hope you know how much of an impact you made on our lives. Rest easy Kyle~

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jessica fiorentino

7:21 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

nicole u made me cry oh kyle i love u so much and my u rest in peace and u took the the life and sole out of everyone u will never be forgotten <3 u and ur family will always be in my prayers i cant believe your gone

michael A. Vorpahl

11:45 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Kyle was an inspiration to all of us. We should all have the strength and zest for life that he had. We will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

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wendy pomarico

5:33 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012

r.i.p young you are very strong and brave the courage you have shown grown ups spend there whole like never experiancing! god bless you and your family i could imagine the pain they must fell but may god ease it for them.

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Nicole McGetrick Gagliardo

12:21 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

Kyle was and always be my nephew, he will live in the hearts of all those he touched. My brother Gene, and sister Francine raised a remarkable young man. Mariah showed much courage and strength durring her brothers battle, and Kyles courage lives on through her, and the many people he shared his life with. Our Nana ( Marilyn King ) came and wrapped her arms around him and lead him to heaven where there he will feel no pain. Kyle will live on in our memories, hearts, and in his message. NEVER GIVE UP... Spike, now you are able to play all the sports you were unable to do in life. I will be cheering you on as always. Till we meet again, I love you, and THANK YOU for being an incredible nephew, I could not have asked for a better one.

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kathryn becker

4:58 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

kyle is awsome
loveeeee u kyle the candle was great

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Larry Cataldo

6:25 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

there's a fire station in heaven, heaven #1,our son is on it,
he will welcome a station 11 brother!

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jessica fiorentino

7:17 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

i love u kyle may u rest in peace my love

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