Monarchs In Memory
*****************************************
Calder Ian Wills
Calder stole my heart. What an incredibly strong child. I know he had no choice, but we can learn much from Calder. I did not know his family, but they live in my hometown of Iowa City, and I, too, grew up on the East side of Iowa City. My eldest son is Calder's age. I would read his mother's posts and wonder how strong I would be as a mother. I am not sure. I weep for her, her husband, and her other children. I made this page for Calder to honor him and to also ask you all to please register yourself to be a bone marrow donor. You could BE THE MATCH. Fly high, Calder Ian.
Calder Ian Wills, 12, left us peacefully on November 4, 2017 following complications from his stem cell transplant for T-cell lymphoma. Calder was born in Philadelphia, PA on April 10, 2005 along with his twin brother, Grayson. Calder was a loving son, brother, and friend. He excelled in gymnastics and earned a black belt in tae kwon do. He was an avid reader and loved his time at Hoover Elementary School and very much looked forward to attending South East Junior High School this year. He enjoyed cooking and potluck gatherings which gave him the opportunity to try all kinds of dishes and desserts while spending time with family and friends. He was a fan of the arts, enjoying music and drawing and had begun developing skills in both areas.
His lymphoma treatment led him to mature beyond his years. He was always polite and appreciative of the doctors, nurses, and technicians who cared for him. He never complained about his circumstances. As he fell asleep just a few days ago, he said he “just wanted to thank everybody”. He endured discomfort with a smile and did all that was asked without reservation. Calder touched and improved the lives of all those fortunate enough to meet him.
We are immensely appreciative of the care that Calder received from the outstanding staff at both the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. We are equally deeply indebted to all of our family, friends, and colleagues who have done so much to support and care for Calder and our family throughout his treatment.
Calder is survived by his parents, Brianna and Brian Wills; siblings, Grayson, Charlotte and Arden (Iowa City, IA); his grandparents, Kathleen and John Wills (Aiken, SC) and Sheila Williams (Mobile, AL); and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Doyle Williams.
Our family prefers that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the “Calder Wills Memorial Fund” which we are in the process of creating. Its purpose will be to support local charities and organizations in Calder’s name so that he will be recognized in perpetuity for the contributions he would have made to the community himself had his life not ended prematurely. Donations may be mailed to the Community Foundation of Johnson County at 325 E Washington St # 100, Iowa City, IA 52240.
