In 2016, Chadwick Boseman starred in the movie Black Panther, marking his spot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He then worked in other Marvel movies such as Infinity War and Endgame, growing even more in stardom. As if 2020 could not have gone worse, the world was struck with the sudden death of Chadwick Boseman.

People around the world saluted in the Wakandan way as they mourned for his passing, but few knew what Chadwick was going through at this time. Chadwick was suffering from Stage III colon cancer since 2016, which eventually escalated to stage IV, taking his life on August 28, 2020.

Yet, despite his illness, Chadwick remained a ray of charisma, especially to kids with cancer. Chadwick often visited children with cancer and gave them gifts, celebrations, and smiles. In one of his interviews, he teared up when mentioning two terminally ill children, showing his love and affection to these children.

Rather than hanging up on his death, we should follow in his footsteps and help those people who struggled with cancer like he and many of the children did. Not only donations, but also visits and devoted time can heal the illnesses of these children.

A freshman from Cypress High School, Lois Chun, endorses this imperative. “I think that we should definitely follow in his footsteps of having good relationships with children with cancer because being a child means that we get to run around and play. But when a child gets cancer, they’re stuck in the hospital. Getting to see famous people like Chadwick Boseman do lift their spirits up and it’s something that a lot of people should take into consideration.”

Lianne Cha, a junior from Oxford Academy also agrees with this notion. “Chadwick Boseman was an inspirational figure for those suffering from cancer, the black community, and the general population. People should definitely follow his footsteps in helping the community _ whether it’s by visiting the children in hospitals, donating money, or just being a friend, just as he did.”

The greatest gift to these children is kindness. Giving time to play with them and showing care is enough to save these patients’ lives. Like Chadwick, we should show the care and love they need to nurse them back to health. Like Chadwick, we should give them gifts that they will cherish forever. Like Chadwick, we should be the light to the kids who need it most. It is time to walk the path the Wakandan King has, and usher in a time of joy.

<Kyle Min / Los Alamitos High School 11th Grade>