Casey Powell stood on the small stage of a popular local bar & restaurant located in Armory Square, in downtown Syracuse, New York. It was, as usual, a bitter cold February night. However, inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, as Casey addressed a very eager and positive crowd of wonderful supporters of the Casey Powell World Lacrosse Foundation. The first Designer Purse auction was about to begin. First-time Auctioneer Mike Powell had his work cut out. Over fifty designer purses had been donated to be auctioned off with all monies going to the CPWLF. As the audience waited , and might I say, not so patiently, wildly waving their lacrosse-shaped bid paddles high in the air, Casey proceeded with his opening welcome speech and expressed his gratitude to all in attendance.
To the stage he called the guest of honor, 16-year-old Nate Wagner along with his mom and dad, Beth and Rich. The waving bid paddles immediately went still as Casey told the crowd of Nate’s cancer battle. Prior to the auction, Nate’s dad said It would be questionable if Nate would except Casey’s invitation. Nate did not want to be tagged with the title of the kid with cancer. He shied away from any special attention. However, Nate’s humble and very brave decision to come that night and be a part of it left a powerful and lasting impact on everyone in attendance.
Nate had been diagnosed in 2017 with neuroblastoma. At that time, Nate was a popular junior and an avid lacrosse player from Jordan-Elbridge school district, where he wore jersey number 22. Although our meeting with Nate that night was brief, his presence left an unforgettable and powerful message on each of us of how precious life is.
Nate passed away in March of 2020. We all hold a special thank you to Beth and Rich for sharing their son with us, and as the CPWLF continues its work and marches on, it will carry forever and with great love, the beautiful spirit of #22, Nate Wagner.