Rest in Peace CallumCares421
It is with the heaviest heart that one of our beloved teens has passed away, CallumCares421. Callum contributed to many teen side events and projects and was an amazing leader. I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with him. Cal wouldn’t want people to cry but instead be there for each other in times of need. Cal’s last few months were no doubt a challenge for him and his family, however that never stopped Cal from making anyone who came across him smile or laugh. I know this news across the community is heartbreaking and maybe different feelings will be had, and that is okay. We will be here to support anyone within this time. I had the privilege to interview Cal during a forum series called “meet the teens” back in 2024: https://www.7cups.com/forum/listenerjourney/General_2422/MeetTheTeensDay1_328022/
Here you can really see how much cups meant to Cal. With that I leave you with Cal’s final message for cups.
Heyo everyone! I hope this message finds you well. I unfortunately have passed away if you are reading this message. I did my best to tell as many of my friends here on 7 cups as I could, but I can’t get to everybody. I passed away from leukemia, which is a type of cancer, and complications related to it. I had leukemia when I was 5, and treatment was very hard on me, thus why I decided not to treat it. I want to leave you with a few words of wisdom. (I’m not actually wise, just have always wanted to say that haha)
First, be true to yourself. People around you are going to constantly tell you what you can and can’t be. All around, we are expected to change ourselves to get other people to like us. You were made the way you are for a reason. I know Dr. Seuss is controversial, but I really liked the quote “Why fit in when you’re born to stand out”
Second, don’t doubt yourself. With effort and a little bit of love, almost anything is possible. I’ve struggled with chronic illness most of my life. There were tons of things I never thought possible that I accomplished in my life of 17 years. One of those was being able to work a healthcare job. I always thought I was going to have to wait until I was 18 to start working in healthcare, but you can actually obtain CNA licensing at 16 in New York. Those few months I spent as a CNA were some of the best moments of my life. Follow your passions. Don’t let others, or yourself stop you from the greatness you are destined to achieve.
Third, focus on the good. Life isn’t fair. Some people can strike it rich while others live on the street. I used to spend so much time dwelling on the bad things. My chronic illnesses, political issues, crime, etc. The more you worry about things you cannot control, the worse off you will be. Things aren’t great on Earth right now, and I can only hope that in the coming years some divine miracle will happen. Until then, focus on the good. The feel of a pets fur, the warm sunshine on your skin, all the people that love and care for you, and I know sometimes its near impossible to see on the hard days, so I encourage keeping a photo album of the good moments, or maybe even a box full of your favorite things, although, if you put edible goods in the box, check up on it often to ensure nothing expires! 😆
Lastly, I want to thank two of my closest friends on 7 cups. People I looked up to, people I cared for, and still do care for from my teeny spot overlooking in heaven hehe!
@AuroraAstral
Regan, you were probably the closest thing I had to a friend in life. I enjoyed every moment we had together, happy and sad. I felt like I could talk to you about anything. You are one of the people I wished I had met in real life. You are the kind of person I’d take with me to go do something very fun and abnormally crazy, and you’d definitely be in charge of coordinating my funeral, so coordinating my cups funeral is the next best thing. You meant so much to me, Regan. Please keep pushing through. Don’t let life stop you from being you. Also Sopranos are better than Tenors. -throws cookies at-
@CommunityModIris
Iris, I really looked up to you. You were there for me constant times in rooms, not only assisting with moderating, but you also offered thoughtful words. I can remember lots of funny moments. I like to think I was as good of a mod as I was because of you. It was always fun to learn about plants and math from you as well. A kind soul like yours can get you anywhere in life, Iris. I know you not only had a positive impact on me, but I’ve seen how you’ve touched the lives of others. You are an amazing person, Iris. Thank you for all you have done for me and everyone else. It hasn’t gone unnoticed.
I’d also like to extend my thanks to @Heather225, for allowing this to be possible. They truly understood that cups was a part of me, and I think of many of you as my family. This isn’t goodbye, guys. This is see you later.
Callum, out.
Tagging his friends and leaders throughout his time on cups. Please feel free to tag others who met Cal throughout his time on cups.
@Jenna @Heather225 @EmmaE @EnigmaticCat24 @Izzy528 @WishfulWillow7295 @Antonio7cups @tuffattack @Arie3 @kenzolena @Hope @CaringEzra
@AuroraAstral
I'm leaving this here until I have had time to process this devastating news so I can write something more thoughtful. I liked that kiddo very much, and I am going to miss them.
@AuroraAstral
I just got shocked.
I'm sorry I can't write the words that he deserves, it's just that... I didn't expect it at all, even though I was already aware of this, I never thought it would be so soon... Well, it's never good moment actually. I spoke to him so recently... Just thinking that he is no longer here, that he is no longer in this world, I feel so bad...
This is one of the hard and sad parts of life. But Callum, thank you for your message, despite your circumstances. I know it's worthless for me to tell you this now, but, if for some strange reason you're watching us, let me tell you that you were brave here on earth. ❤️
@AuroraAstral
This is very sad I am so sorry for his parents loss and the entire community of course. So young!
@AuroraAstral
Rest easy, Cal. It was an honor to be your friend for 11 years. I know God is taking care of you now, but it still hurts knowing my best friend is gone. I smile at the fact that you are no longer in the pain that has brought you down for years. I'm going to love and remember you until I too take my last breath, and we will be reunited in the great kingdom.