It all started with what seemed like a common case of nasal congestion for three-year-old Nolan. But as time went on, his condition only worsened, leaving his parents, Ruth and Jonathan Scully, devastated. The heartbreaking news came: Nolan was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
For the next 18 months, Nolan fought a brave battle against the disease. Despite the pain and difficulties, he remained strong, courageous, and positive. However, in February 2017, the young boy tragically lost his life to the disease, passing away in his mother’s arms at just four years old.
Yet, it is not Nolan’s long struggle with cancer that his mother, Ruth Scully, wrote about. Instead, she shared the touching story of Nolan’s last days, a testament to his incredible spirit.
Nolan’s doctors informed Ruth that there were no more treatment options available and that their focus now was to keep him comfortable. In one of Ruth’s final visits to the hospital, she had a heart-wrenching conversation with Nolan that she will cherish forever.
She sat down with him, their heads pressed together, and had the following exchange:
Ruth: Poot, it hurts to breathe, doesn’t it?
Nolan: Weeeelll… yeah.
Ruth: You’re in a lot of pain, aren’t you, baby?
Nolan: (looking down) Yeah.
Ruth: Poot, this cancer stuff sucks. You don’t have to fight anymore.
Nolan: (Pure Happiness) I DONT??!! But I will for you, Mommy!!
Ruth: No Poot!! Is that what you have been doing?? Fighting for Mommy??
Nolan: Well, DUH!!
Ruth: Nolan Ray, what is Mommy’s job?
Nolan: To keep me SAFE! (With a big grin)
Ruth: Honey… I can’t do that anymore here. The only way I can keep you safe is in Heaven. (My heart shattering)
Nolan: Soooo I’ll just go to Heaven and play until you get there! You’ll come, right?
Ruth: Absolutely!! You can’t get rid of Mommy that easy!!
In the following days, Nolan slept for most of the time. His parents decided to bring him home for one last night together. But before they left, Nolan took his mother’s hand and reassured her that it was okay for them to stay at the hospital.
“My four-year-old hero was trying to make sure things were easy for me,” Ruth Scully shared on Facebook, her heart overflowing with love for her brave son.
Later that night, as Ruth stood by the bathroom door preparing to take a shower, Nolan made a request. He asked for his uncle to sit with him and turned to face the door so he could see his mother while she showered. Ruth told him to keep looking at her and promised to be out in just a couple of seconds.
As the bathroom door clicked shut, Nolan closed his eyes and drifted into a deep sleep, signaling the beginning of the end. When Ruth opened the door, the medical team surrounding Nolan’s bed turned to her with tear-filled eyes. They informed her that Nolan was in a deep sleep and couldn’t feel anything. His breathing was labored, and his right lung had collapsed while his oxygen levels dropped.
Ruth jumped into bed with her son, placing her hand gently on the side of his face. And in a divine moment that she will forever hold dear, Nolan took a breath, opened his eyes, smiled at her, and with pure love in his voice, said, “I love you, Mommy.” He then turned his head towards her, and at 11:54 p.m., Sgt. Rollin Nolan Scully passed away as Ruth sang “You are My Sunshine” in his ear.
Nolan’s final words of love touched the hearts of millions across the world. His bravery and the love he shared continue to inspire others.
Nolan’s family decided to share his funeral with the countless Facebook followers who had supported him throughout his battle. The funeral was broadcasted live, allowing people to pay their respects from afar. The event included a touching send-off from local first responders and law enforcement agencies.
Firefighters and police officers took turns standing watch over Nolan’s red casket, a tradition usually reserved for fallen officers. It was a fitting tribute for a young boy who had shown incredible courage and strength throughout his battle.
The funeral procession began at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. Nolan’s casket was then brought outside, where 100 first responders saluted him. His casket was lifted onto a fire truck, and a touching “last call” ceremony was held to honor the brave little boy. You can watch the heartbreaking moment below.
In September 2022, on what would have been Nolan’s 10th birthday, his mom shared an emotional update. She expressed how this particular birthday hit her harder than previous ones, as she couldn’t help but think about the moments they missed together. Instead of celebrating with a fun activity, Ruth and her other children visited Nolan’s grave, bringing red balloons and writing personal messages before releasing them into the sky.
Let us never forget to cherish our loved ones and express our love to them every chance we get. Nolan’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of love, strength, and the enduring bond between a mother and child. If this story touched your heart, please share it and help spread this message.
