BRAVE BRYCE LOSES HIS FIGHT:
Teenager touched a nation
BRYCE McKiernan is being remembered as the always smiling Corio boy whose unwavering resilience and infectious love of life inspired all who met him.
The much loved Corio teen died yesterday morning after complications resulting from his lifelong battle with kabuki syndrome.
The Geelong community had fallen in love with the 15year-old Nelson Park student — and wrapped its collective arms around the McKiernan family — since Bryce’s story first appeared in the Geelong Advertiser in February.
His cheeky nature in the face of the rare genetic disorder captured the attention of sports and television stars across the nation, and then the world.
His loveability was evidenced by his ability to turn celebrity idols into genuine friends after just one meeting.
The determination of Bryce’s parents Stacey and Darrin, and his siblings Tori, Riley and Hollie, to bring his bucket list to life united the community, which made the mission its own.
It started with a humble wish to have a close look at a police car before ticking off big ticket items such as a guest appearance in the Geelong Cats’ annual team photo, a star-studded party complete with MasterChef stars George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan and meets and greets with the Wiggles, celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Manu Feildel.
Bryce’s final wish was granted by international prowrestling legend John Cena, who was in Australia for a speaking tour last month.
So touched was he by their time spent together before the show, Cena told a cheering g Melbourne crowd Bryce was a stronger man than he would ever be.
A GoFundMe account has been created to help Bryce’s family give him a fitting sendoff. You can help by visiting gofundme. com/ brycesstars hinesbright