Devin Kohlman helping others after death - WSMV Channel 4

A Port Clinton boy who touched many people passed away Monday from brain cancer, but his family is hoping his death will bring life to thousands of children like him.

"There is a reason for all of this," said Alexis Kohlman. "I've never seen anything like it. There's something special about him."

Alexis' 13-year-old son Devin brought his community together to celebrate Christmas two months early in his honor. Devin's story touched the lives of people miles away, as Christmas cards poured in from as far as Australia.

"He's reminded everybody in the world of what's most important, and what's most important is love," Alexis said.

She says Devin passed away at 5:09 Monday night, just a few minutes before the time he was born, but that wasn't the only coincidence.

"It started snowing right when Devin passed away," she said. "It was a message that he's okay, I think."

Devin's mother says his legacy will live on forever. Devin was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. His family has decided to donate his brain to cancer research.

"Devin was a very giving boy, and he would want to help others," Alexis said. "His organs aren't able to be used because of the chemo and everything, but hopefully his tumors can help save some other child."

She says when she looks at the Christmas cards, many from children, covering the walls of their home, she knows they made the right decision.

"How many of these kids are going to get sick? Or their kids are going to get sick?" she asked. "God gave us a special little boy. Maybe he is the one that's going to provide the answers."

Alexis says she knows that her son is now in heaven, watching down on them.

"I love him," she said. "He knows. He knows."

Grief counselors were on hand Tuesday at Port Clinton Middle School to help Devin's former teachers and classmates deal with his death.

Visitation for Devin will be held Thursday, Nov. 14 from noon until 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Friday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. Both are open to the public and will be at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton.

Related:

• Port Clinton teen succumbs to cancer
  
• Cards, gifts pouring in for Port Clinton boy
• Shirts sent across country for Port Clinton teen
  
• Pep rally, fundraiser for Port Clinton teen with cancer
  
• Community creates snow as part of early Christmas for child with cancer
  
• An early Christmas, a boy with cancer, and the town who loves him

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