Will Abby: The Dreamer

We all have hopes and dreams for our children.  That they will be good and kind people.  That they will be successful in school and work.  That they will be athletes or the prom king or the president one day. 

 

On April 11, 2017, our dreams for Will Abby abruptly terminated as he left this earth in the presence of family and friends.  He was 26 years old. 

 

Will suffered from a disease so rare that it took more than 5 years and many consultations with the world’s best physicians and researchers to finally locate the single gene mutation that manifested in spinal muscular atrophy and progressive myoclonic epilepsy.  To this day, we know of only a handful of others in the world with the same condition.  There is no cure. 

 

 Despite his diagnosis and prognosis, Will never lost his sense of humor or his hope.  He would not want us to dwell in sadness.  Rather, as a family, we have chosen to honor the best of Will Abby by committing to follow through on his hopes and dreams for himself, others and for our planet. 

 

Will was a “green” kid.  He grew up hiking, camping, skiing and playing sports.  Summers were spent backpacking in the Trinity Mountains of Northern California.  Will loved nature and had a deep concern for issues that negatively impact the world.  In particular, the effects of climate change weighed heavily on his mind. 

 

At Will’s funeral service, 300 tree seedlings were given to attendees, most of which were planted in our home state of Utah.  That same day, we received a message and photos from Earth University in Costa Rica with news of a tree they planted in Will’s memory.  As these events were posted on social media, people began to plant more trees in his honor.  And, as we traveled, we also began planting trees.  WillsTrees4Peace was born from a message that clearly resonated with people.  Plant a tree, be kind to your fellow human, protect our planet!

 

To date, more than 400 trees have been planted in over 30 countries and 18 US states.  We invite you to join us.  Held within this website are the stories of our plantings and the global network of friends made … all committed to furthering Will’s legacy, Will’s hopes, and Will’s dreams. 

 

Here’s to you, sweet Will!  You are loved and missed every day.  May your legacy live on forever! 

 

Katie Abby (Mom) and Drew Abby (brother)