A Barrie teen who enjoyed writing his own music, playing video games and going on adventures with his family has died after a two-year battle with bone cancer.
Kevin Chao, 16, was diagnosed with Stage 4 osteosarcoma — a type of bone cancer that begins in the cells that form bones — in December 2021. After a long and painful battle, Kevin died on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, according to an obituary posted online.
"Kevin was a very sweet, talented and happy boy with an amazing sense of humour," reads his obituary. "He made friends wherever he went. He always put others first and genuinely cared about them with his whole heart. Kevin loved travelling and going on adventures."
The obituary also touched on the Innisdale Secondary School student's deep love of music.
"He was an amazing musician and loved to share what he wrote with others. He was going to go far with his music, but God had other plans," the obituary says. "Out of nowhere, Kevin had to take on the role of a warrior to battle through his illness for the past two years.
"He put on a brave face every single day and kept his faith. Although terribly missed, we are so thankful to know he is finally at peace and can enjoy eternity in Heaven."
BarrieToday featured Kevin's story and cancer battle in April 2023. Despite being in extreme pain every day, Kevin managed to keep a positive attitude and a smile on his face.
His message to people: "Life is really short. Just have fun before anything happens, because you never know when, in the blink of an eye, when there could be a car crash or diagnosed with cancer."
When interviewed earlier this year, Kevin and his mother, Melissa Brown, told BarrieToday they refused to take anything for granted. Kevin planned to keep two of his favourite things — a video-game system and a microphone — nearby the hospital bed that had been set up in his family’s home at all times.
Kevin shared that he had a true love for music, and was excited that one of his songs has even been played on the radio in Ireland.
The teen had even garnered himself more than 6,000 followers on TikTok, where he’s shared his music as well as his cancer journey.
Many of those followers continue to offer their condolences this week after Kevin’s younger brother, Jordan, posted a brief but poignant video message on Nov. 27 sharing that big brother had died.
@kevin.chao ♬ snowfall - Øneheart & reidenshi
“God welcomed our sweet boy Kevin home on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Expected, but never completely ready,” Brown wrote on the online GoFund Me page this week. “Our brave warrior fought extremely hard for over two years against osteosarcoma (bone cancer), which caused extreme pain and agony every single day. We are so thankful that he is finally pain free and enjoying himself, once again.”
The fundraiser had already raised more than $12,000 of the $15,000 goal set in an effort to help cover the funeral expenses.
Before his illness, Kevin loved being outdoors, as well as kickboxing, swimming and hanging out with his friends and family, she wrote. During his sickness, he wrote many songs, made many candles and even wrote a book, which she noted will be published at a later date.
Brown thanked the community for the love they showed her son, as well as the support they provided to the entire family, over the last two years.
“Thank you to everyone who made him feel loved. Thanks for all the meals, visits, presents and time spent with him. He was a loved boy and for sure will remain in everyone's hearts forever," she said.
Visitation will be held at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, located at 30 Worsley St., in Barrie, on Sunday, Dec. 3 beginning at 2 p.m., with a service in the chapel at 3 p.m. A reception is scheduled to follow.
A livestream link will be made available here 10 minutes ahead of the service start time. Online condolences and memories can be shared here.
