On March 9, 2016, a dear friend and co-worker lost her beloved brother. That same day a wife lost her soul mate, a mother and father lost their son, a grandmother lost her grandson, children lost their uncle, friends lost a confidant and the world lost an amazing and incredible human being.

He was 26.

His name was Nick.

I was only around Nick a couple of times and each time was very brief. But even in those couple of brief moments, I distinctly remember his smile and his presence. You just knew that he was one of the good ones. At the age of 25, Nick was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. He fought so hard to win that battle, all while keeping a smile on his face and never once complaining about his diagnosis or the treatments he endured. Unfortunately, after bravely beating the osteosarcoma, he was diagnosed with a form of leukemia that would swiftly take his life. As you read on you will understand that while Nick may not physically be here, he vibrantly lives on in others and through four simple words. Smile more, complain less.

His sister, Emily, the Community Manager at Camden Reunion Park, started Smile More, Complain Less, a foundation to support families and individuals who are in the fight against cancer as well as cancer research. The name could not be more fitting. Those four very simple yet powerful words ring so true to Nick's very character and outlook on life. He could find beauty and meaning in everything. During his fight, Nick looked at rainbows as a sign from above that everything was going to be alright. The t-shirt you see below is available for purchase on the website. Every single penny goes towards the fight against cancer. The fight we all want to win. The fight for a cure. Nick wanted so much to help others, who were also in this fight, to remain positive and to not give up. And even though he is gone, his wish is being fulfilled in his honor by each and every person who supports this exceptional cause.

Part of the Camden Culture is giving back and this is such an incredible example of just that. Emily, you are inspirational. Every bit as much as your brother.

When you lose someone, especially someone so young, it changes you and you learn things. You learn that life is too short and that you cannot and should not take anything for granted. You learn that there is so much in life to be happy about no matter what challenges you may be facing. Those are the kind of things that we learned from Nick. Those who knew him are better for having known him and they will all tell you the same thing. He was the most gracious, loving and kind person they had ever met. Most of all, he loved life because life is worth loving and living. The legacy Nick has left behind and the impact he had on those who were lucky enough to know him is profound. When you think about the kind of person you would like to be...be like Nick.