A seven-year-old St. George boy who captured the hearts of thousands has died at the Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford.

The hospice said that Evan Leversage, who battled brain cancer most of his life, died Sunday morning in the arms of his mother, Nicole Wellwood, who had been sleeping by his side in his hospice bed. He also was surrounded by family members, who have kept a vigil since Evan was admitted to the hospice on Nov. 4.

"His smile, his laughter and the impact he has had on my life, that’s what I will remember most about Evan," Wellwood said Sunday night.

"The impact Evan has had on the world in his seven years is further reaching and more enduring than most souls who get to stay here 10 times longer," she said in a statement.

"Without eloquent speeches, profound wisdom and doing anything more than being himself, he stirred hearts around the world,

"His quiet bravery, simple wishes and signature thumbs up, inspired caring strangers to reach out in love and support.

"He came to represent all children and families who struggle with health issues, especially childhood cancer."

Evan was born in Stratford to Wellwood and Travis Leversage. He has an older brother, Logan, and a younger brother, Tyson. Wellwood moved to St. George with the boys about three years ago.

Just two days before his second birthday, Evan was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

He spent a lot of time in hospital and at medical appointments but endured the endless rounds of chemotherapy with courage, patience and good humour, said Wellwood.

"Evan was a typical little boy who loved Sponge Bob, Pokemon, Batman, Lady Gaga and practical jokes," she said. "He loved animals – horses, rabbits and especially dogs.

"He greatly loved having a big brother in Logan and a little brother in Tyson."

Evan also took a special interest in big trucks and emergency vehicles and those who drove them.

In September, doctors told Evan’s family there was nothing more they could do for the boy. They recommended that if Christmas was important to Evan, the family should move the celebration forward.

In October, the people of St. George and the surrounding area banded together so Evan could experience one last Christmas. The event included a Christmas parade with 25 floats, police and fire vehicles, a pipe band and Clydesdale horses.

The village sported Christmas decorations and snow machines were brought in to blanket part of Evan’s street with snow.

The boy got to hop onto Santa’s sleigh and ride with him through the streets of St. George with thousands of townspeople looking on.

It was a massive undertaking that attracted lots of media attention and put the spotlight on Evan and childhood cancer. The event also attracted international attention through a Facebook page called Light Up St. George.

The boy’s story attracted international attention with people reaching out from as far away as Australia and the United Kingdom, among other places.

"One of Evan’s favourite things to do was to have his family read all the mail that he received from caring people around the world. The family was told by the St. George post office that Evan has received even more mail than letters to Santa," said a statement from the hospice posted on its website.

Evan’s story also caught the attention of Ontario Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, who sent a letter. "Evan, thank you for being the Christmas Angel the world needs now," it read.

The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada joined with his family earlier this year to launch a fundraising campaign to support research into childhood brain cancer.

Wellwood said that Evan’s legacy is one of hope.

"Hope that other children who are on his path are not shortchanged of a full and rich life," she said.

"Hope that other families do not have to go through such pain and suffering and say goodbye to their children. Hope that love always shines the brightest."

Social media was flooded with condolences Sunday.

"RIP Evan Leversage. You did what most of us never will — you brought a community together in love," one person posted.

Visitation for Evan will be at Providence Free Reformed Church, 269 St. George Rd., St. George, on Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m and on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at the church Thursday at 1 p.m.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dennis Toll Funeral Home, 55 Charing Cross St. Brantford.

A link to a livestream of the funeral service can be found at www.dennistoll.ca.

vincent.ball@sunmedia.ca

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