There are many loved ones that have passed, that we hope will be with us in spirit. But we each wanted to have a special page of dedication to some who were very special and will truly be missed.

Michael was Perry's youngest brother. Perry would like to share with you a bit about his beloved and much missed little brother:

I vividly remember the day Michael was born. I was at school, and my Aunt Mitzie popped into my second grade classroom to announce that my new little brother had just been born. I was so excited and couldn't wait to meet Michael for the first time.

Michael Vincent Poussard was named very purposely to have the initials MVP, and what an MVP he turned out to be!

Michael was athletic, outspoken, funny, a charmer, spitfire, rebel...

He was so much fun to be around and with. There were hard times, but what pre-teen/teenager doesn't present those issues?

He loved football, fireworks, and food. He could play sports with the best of them. He was a budding chef who would have probably gone very far in a culinary career.

 

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area, causing my family to evacuate to Houston, TX. When we returned to LA, New Orleans and the surrounding area was off-limits, so all of my immediate family ended up living in my dorm room for a couple weeks. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina resulted in my Mom having to work in Baton Rouge for the next 6-8 months while my Dad, Michael, and sister Danielle returned to New Orleans as soon as possible to continue the school year. Michael was in the midst of completing 7th grade at St. Rosalie and applying for admission to Archbishop Shaw's Junior High/8th grade program.

For the 2006-2007 school year, Michael decided to attend Archbishop Shaw and try out for the Junior High Football team. After making the team, Michael began noticing issues with numbness and loss of feeling throughout his body. After multiple tests/MRIs and a gross misdiagnosis, it was determined that Michael had some tumors in his brain. On November 1, 2006, Michael underwent surgery to have the tumors removed and biopsied. Shortly after, the results came in that the tumors were malignant, and that Michael was battling Glioblastoma Multiforme, a Grade IV brain cancer.

Once diagnosed, Michael fought the hardest battle of his life. He remained upbeat and positive. He continued going to school when he was physically able. He requested special ability to become confirmed within the Catholic Church (as this sacrament is now regularly performed in 11th grade in LA). He never stopped fighting.

Throughout 2007, Michael visited and began treatment at St. Jude's Research Hospital in TN, went to the Superbowl in Miami with his entire immediate family, was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Louisiana to attend a Saints game on the sidelines, visited and began treatment with the Burzynski Clinic in TX, and spent a great deal of time with his family.

 

Michael was a special individual, especially when it came to his dedication. He was dedicated to his school, his sports, his friends, and especially in a year of epic battle, his family.

What is most inspiring is how dedicated Michael was to his faith, especially in light of such tremendous circumstances. Though not one to exude his faith prior to his illness, Michael turned to his religion and spirituality very courageously and profoundly as he fought a battle that just couldn't be won.

Michael died December 26, 2007 surrounded by family and loved ones. 

Michael had two phrases that he often repeated in his final months, phrases which I take deeply to heart.

First, Michael would always say, "Promise Me." He would say this to me on multiple occassions, one of which was when I asked if I needed to stay home one week from school because he felt like his time was near. He told me no - that he wanted me to return to school and continue living my life. "Promise Me" was, to me, a request to live my life and not let tragedy put an end to it. And, thus, I've gone forth and enjoyed many adventures since Michael's death, and I'm always sure of how he's included in these adventures, especially in instances of unexplainable occurences (ie., seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland when NONE of the conditions were right for it).

Second, Michael would plead that everyone "Remember Me." Well, needless to say, we will never forget Michael "MVP" Poussard, and his life is often and fondly remembered.

And with fond memories and love for him, I dedicate this very special moment in my life to Michael, as I fulfill more of my promise to him.