Shawn Rivers

Shawn, age 11, of Waterbury, CT, passed away on July 27, 2024, due to complications from cerebral palsy. He was the son of Da'sha Tull and Dayshawn Rivers.

Born prematurely on October 21, 2012, at 31 weeks gestation, he spent his first 60 days fighting for his life in the NICU at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, CT. Due to complications at birth resulting in cerebral palsy, he faced numerous physical and health-related challenges throughout his life, enduring hospitalizations, therapies, and surgeries with unwavering strength and rarely shedding a tear. Despite limitations in mobility and speech, he communicated his love through expressive looks, smiles, and eye blinks. His infectious, cheerful smile would brighten any room, and his laughter was contagious to everyone around him. He relied on his mother and caregivers to meet his daily needs.

Despite these challenges, he was a fighter who never gave up. He remained happy, brave, and strong, embodying the true definition of a warrior with remarkable courage. Deeply cherished by his family, he was known for his affectionate nature.

As a fifth grader at Carrington Elementary School, he was adored by his nurses, classmates, teachers, and other school staff. Since his birth, he profoundly impacted bringing people together and teaching others about acceptance, understanding, diversity, and the experiences of differently-abled people. He inspired others to be more compassionate and caring, teaching valuable lessons about love, joy, patience, resilience, courage, and acceptance.

Many people saw only his limitations, such as what he couldn't do, like walk and talk, but those who knew him saw all the things he could do - smile, feel uncontrolled happiness, love unconditionally, and show his love without saying a word. He was a teacher and inspiration to everyone he met, encouraging those around him to improve. He taught us about love, kindness, dedication, determination, patience, and the gift of perspective. He reminded us that most of our problems aren't really problems and taught us to be grateful for what we have.

Through him, we learned that love goes much deeper than words and how to love without limits. He showed us what it means to be strong as he fought daily long after others would have given up. An example of perseverance and inner strength, he fought his health battles daily. He was indeed a gift from God, an absolute miracle. He taught us about life and love and inspired us to improve. He loved us while he was with us. The greatest gift he gave us was his life. He defied the odds and lived a beautiful life with the support of his mother despite his many limitations. Every day with him was a blessing and a lesson.

Raising and caring for him throughout his life took a village. Our eternal gratitude extends to the doctors, nurses, therapists, assistants, and aides from the following teams: Gastroenterology, Neurology, Palliative Care, and Pulmonary at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford, CT, who played a vital role in caring for his health and well-being. He received exceptional care and support from a remarkable team of personal support workers, nurses, and LPN workers at home and school. His teachers and educational assistants went the extra mile daily to create a loving environment where he felt happy, comfortable, and like he belonged. Their unwavering dedication and compassion will never be forgotten.

Lastly, we remain forever thankful for the support from family, friends, and colleagues during his life and the period following his passing. Thank you for visiting him at the hospital and spending personal quality time with him.

Funeral services for Shawn will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1987 East Main St., Waterbury. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of his family. Relatives and friends may visit with Shawn's family on Saturday morning from 11:00 a.m. until the service at 2:00 p.m. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the Rivers family, please visit our website at www.caseyfunerals.com.