By SHAWN STREET
A young man who inspired thousands with this strength, determination and faith has received his heavenly reward.
Hensen O’Quinn passed away from brain cancer on July 11 at the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee.
“Our sweet baby boy is home,” his parents, Dustin and Samantha O’Quinn, stated on the Hope for Hensen Facebook page. “Today, our hearts are shattered, but we know our prayers for healing were heard, just not in the way we had hoped here on earth.”
The O’Quinns added, “Our sweet Hensen is healed. Completely. No more brain cancer. No more pain. No more suffering. He is at rest, safe in the arms of Jesus. We will carry you with us every single day until we see you again, sweet boy. You fought the good fight. You finished your course. You kept the faith. Forever our baby boy. Forever loved. Forever ours.”
The Hope for Hensen page was set up so supporters could follow the young’s battle with cancer. Over the years, close to 5,000 people have followed the page.
Tributes poured in when his passing was announced.
“My heart is broken,” stated Megan Lyn. “Henson and his story, as well as your unwavering faith, has touched so many lives…including mine.”
Holland Whitehead wrote, “I’m so thankful I got to care for sweet Henson and got to meet ya’ll. Your strong faith stood out to me and I am so thankful I had the privilege to meet this sweet boy his beautiful smile will always have a place in my heart.”
Staci Davis added, “Your sweet boy is fully healed and resting in Jesus’s arms.”
During his five years with us, Hensen was chosen at the Grand Marshal for the Lebanon Christmas parade, was honored for his courage by the Russell County School Board, and was made an honorary member of the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department.
When he passed, the fire department sent three trucks to Knoxville to escort him back home. The Lebanon Police Department sent cars to Knoxville as well. The Knoxville Police Department escorted him through city limits.
“It was an honor, considering what he’s been through,” stated John Michael McCoy of the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department.
Numerous rescue squads and fire trucks from throughout the county, as well as cars from the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and Lebanon Police Department joined the processional when O’Quinn arrived back in Russell County. Supporter lined Main Street in Lebanon to thank Hensen for touching their lives.
“He is a true testament of a hero,” Castlewood Fire and Rescue said in a statement. “He fought the fight to the very end and is now with our lord and savior.”
“O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.” – Psalm 30:2
