In just 14 years of life, Nicholas Steven Parscale became a podcast host, a published author, and an inspiration to many far older than him.
“Nick the Brave” was diagnosed with pineoblastoma, a type of brain cancer, at age 10 in 2016. After a nearly five-year-long battle, he died Tuesday “in the loving arms of his mother, father and brother,” according to his obituary.
He wrote a book to help other kids and families deal with cancer diagnoses, “What I Wish I Knew Before Cancer: A Young Man’s Memoir.” He held a book signing at The Dusty Bookshelf in April to celebrate the book’s release.
Nick “lived each day looking forward to its possibilities and fought the disease with grit, determination and grace.”
“When Nicholas was first diagnosed with cancer in July, 2016, he shared frequently that he believed God gave him cancer ‘so that another little kid would not have to have it,'” the obituary says.
He filled his book with advice and explanations to help kids understand cancer. For example, ““That’s why they call my particular cancer a pineoblastoma. At first they called it a glioblastoma. You’re going to hear a lot of big words you’ve never heard before, but don’t worry,” Nicholas wrote. “There are people who talk like that at hospitals. Glioblastoma is the big category, like the NFL, and pineoblastoma is a specific team, like the Chiefs.”
Nicholas loved spending time with family and friends, and he loved his four dogs and two cats with all his heart, the obituary says. He also enjoyed playing video games, watching YouTube videos, cooking, and art.
“His legacy will live on by helping untold numbers of kids and families travel a cancer journey that they may face and to all who knew him, may we continue his message of positivity and love,” his obituary says.
Nicholas is survived by his mother, Geri, father, Dave, and brother, David. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, according to the obituary.
Memorial contributions may be made in Nicholas’ name to the “Nick the Brave” Memorial Fund and sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 West 13th St., Lawrence, Kansas, 66044.
