"We heard of your Hollis through the Sayler family in Walla Walla, Washington. Please God, comfort the Doherty family each day as they mourn. And help find a cure for DIPG. With ongoing prayers. . . ."
In loving memory of
Hollis Richard Doherty
C. Hollis Richard Doherty, 7, ran towards his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 2, 2017, following a 9 month battle with DIPG, a pediatric brain cancer. His final moments were spent surrounded by his family, who undeniably loved him so dearly. Hollis' life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His gentle smiles and "hug-ability" could melt the hearts of those around him. Although Hollis' diagnosis gave him no chance of survival, he possessed the strength, perseverance and the ability to overcome incredible odds with simply his sheer will to live his life to the utmost. His courage led all those that knew him to believe that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. He could spend hours milking the clock before bedtime so he could snuggle with his mother, bust out in song when his favorite artist would come on, read an entire childhood book series in no time with his older brother, throw in a few RAMMS league championships in football, basketball and baseball, and so much more. Hollis loved new places and new adventures, especially if it involved Arizona, California or Hawaii. With Hollis' passing, we remind others that his life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss him every single day, he will always remain in our hearts. Through his unwavering commitment in gaining the most best days, Hollis put life's true meaning into perspective for all of us. Hollis is survived by his loving parents Shane and Shawnee Doherty of Phoenix, Arizona; brother Rhett; paternal grandmother Mur Doherty of Rancho Mirage, California; maternal grandparents Clarence and Donna Horn of San Manuel, Arizona; Uncle and Aunt Shannon and Patricia Horn of Peoria, Arizona; Uncle and Aunt Steve and Vida Jackson of San Manuel, Arizona; Auntie "A" Alexandra L. Doherty of Santa Cruz, California and loving cousins Nashly, Abbi, and London Horn and Dakota and Shawnee Rae Jackson. Hollis was predeceased by his sister, Savanna Grace and his paternal grandfather, Richard E. Doherty of Palos Verdes Estates, CA. There will be a Hope Through Hollis Memorial Celebration on January 21, 2017 at 10:00 in the morning at Living Streams Church, 7000 N. Central, Phoenix 85020. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: https://www.gofundme.com/hopeforhollis. Visit https://hansenmortuary.wpengine.com for condolences.
Tributes
"My warmest thoughts and condolences to the Doherty family during this time of sorrow. There is another star in the night sky as Hollis is in the Kingdom of God. His smile will live on forever, God bless you all. Rest in peace my little man...."
"Dear Shane, Shawnee & Rhett, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Hollis will never be forgotten and he will occupy a special place in my heart. I hope in time you will be able to think of Hollis with joy, not sadness as you celebrate his life and how he touched so many people in such a short period of time. Your journey moving forward will be hard but you have each other and the support of those in Phoenix and family and friends from around the world. We are all here for you. May God bless you and give you comfort. Love, Nancy"
"Thoughts and prayers from miles away. Thank you for sharing your story. My family is praying for yours. May you find peace."
"We hold all of you in our hearts and prayers and remember with love the most best days you all had with your wonderful, loving Hollis. "
"As a member of the extended Madison Simis/Madison Meadows family, I have ridden the emotional roller-coaster of your lives these last few months through the eyes of my grandchildren, experiencing both their optimism and concern for the health of their friend. Hollis' battle has been an incredible story of courage, strength, faith and love . . . thank you for sharing, and God bless you!"
"You gave your son the greatest gift a parent can give: the gift of faith. He gave that gift to Jesus who took it in his hands, blessed it and multiplied it like the loaves of bread to feed all of us. Thank you for sharing your faith and little boy with us. May God comfort you during this time. Friend in Christ, Lael"
"Your grief must be unimaginable. Your sweet Hollis will live on in your and all of our hearts and memories. Thank you for sharing the story of this lovely boy. It has touched us all."
"May God keep you and your family close during this unimaginatively difficult time. You're all in my thoughts and in my prayers. God Bless."
"No words can lessen your pain at this time. Our prayers go out to you and your family. We pray for your strength and courage during this time and know that Hollis is without pain now. Our hearts go out to all of you."
"Take Comfort In Your Son Is In A Better Place Free From Pain And Suffering .He'll Be In Your Thoughts And Hearts Forever. Death Isn't Forever I Take Comfort In Knowing I Will See My Grandpas Again As You Will See Your Daughter And Son Again. Its Like A Boat On The Horizon Hard To See Physically But Clear As Crystal In Your Minds Eye. We Look Forward To The Day We Will Be All Together Forever In Heaven And Death And Pain And Crying And Suffering Will Be Forgotten ."
"Hollis you were and are a brace warrior. Rest in God's arms and watch over all who loved you especially your family"
"Rest in perfect peace with Jesus Hollis. Say Hi to Brad for me"
"We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Your whole family is in our prayers!"
"My condolences to you Shawnee, Shane and Rhett. I am so sorry you are going through this. Your family is in my thoughts and Prayers. We love you all. David and Rhonda"
"There are really no words that can bring true comfort to you at this time in your life. No parents should ever have to bury their children. Hopefully you can take comfort in the knowledge that he knew he was loved and you did all within your power to bring meaning to his life God bless you now and always!"
"My heart goes out to your family, my family mourns with yours. May time heal your pain and replace grief with new joys. Condolences"
"I'm so sorry to hear about Hollis. I followed him for months. My heart break for you and your family"
"Our family has been praying for you all sincebaseball season began with RAMMS in 2016. Strangely however, we learned of Hollis need for prayer from Facebook and then heard about the Flip Dunk fundraiser across the street from our home. Our 12-yr-old son has taken special care to remember Hollis nightly in prayer. We continue to pray for you all and beg Our Dear Lord to hold you tightly to Him and shower you with grace and strength. May you be comforted knowing that many unknown members of the Body of Christ are praying for you all."
"as a DIPG grandmother, I have followed your posts and prayed for your sweet Hollis as You shared your journey. We said goodbye to our sweet baby nearly a year ago, and we fight to find a cure for this monster. Thank you for sharing you boy with us. We don't know God's plan, but we know our God."
"We are so very sorry for your loss! Although we did not know you personally we had friends who did and had the chance of running into Hollis during one of our daughters softball games at St. Francis and another chance encounter at target a few months ago. His smile lit us up immediately and he will be remembered! You're in our prayers and thoughts!"
"Shane, Shawnee, Rhett and your extended families: At this difficult time in your lives, we pray that The Lord will grant you the peace that you need to get through this. May you find comfort and love knowing Hollis is in the light of the Lord. Sincere heartfelt condolences. Nicolle (Fizzard), Scott, Ethan and Christopher McBrayne. Toronto, Canada."
"I am so very sorry for your profound loss. I have been following Hollis by his Facebook page and his joy and love were always evident. Your family has been and is now in my prayers. With love, Rhonda Katz."
"To the Doherty Family: My family grieves with you at this time. The pain of losing your baby boy must be immense. Of course Hollis is rejoicing with His Maker, Creator, Eternal Father. But I know you are left with sweet memories, deep grief and broken hearts. I pray for God to show you His amazing grace in even greater ways than ever, now. I pray God will shield you from depression beyond what you can bear. I pray that God will give you His enduring Peace and lavish you with His Joy. My heart aches for you all..... God bless you all. Hollis is in great Hands! Won't it be a time when we get there? All our love, The Crandell Family -Joe, Lena (Navarette), Josiah, Layla."
"Beautiful remembrance of everything good and wonderful that Hollis was. Thank you, once again for sharing your heart and soul. Your family is ever present in our prayers. This loss is one that will continue to send ripples out into the world of both sorrow and joy, despair and glory. You are loved."
"Dear Shane, Shawnee and Rhett, You do not know me, but I have been following your story. I have seen Hollis and your family over the past several months and during the baseball season. Your strength, courage and determination over these months is inspiring. Thank you for sharing Hollis and your time with him with your community. Please accept my condolences and I pray for your family."
"The strength you and Shawnee exhibit is without a doubt due to you belief in a better place for Hollis. This extraordinary belief will hold you tightly together in the days ahead. Let the love and memory of Hollis be an example of how to live. We will miss the smiling face of your son gracing Facebook. May the good memories prevail forever."
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have no words that could take your pain away.. but I pray God gives you the strength to cope with your broken hearts.. fly high sweet baby boy! & God bless you all!"
"Our family is at a loss for words. We are deeply sadden and lift you all up in prayer."
"My sincere condolences to the family. May he always live in you. Fly high baby boy."
"I learned about your family through the Horns and we earnestly prayed for your family to have a time of comfort and peace. God bless you and we pray that along with your grief is joy from the Lord that is unexplainable."
"Shane, Shawnee and Rhett....I have no words that will help right now, I wish that I did. Thoughts, prayers, love, strength and a million hugs are being sent to all of you. I live close to you, so if there is anything you need, please say the word!!"
"Run Hollister run! play in the Kingdom of the Lord and enjoy!"