Sirous Sadaghiani Remembered During Balloon Release and School Vigil

The Dublin community came together again over the weekend to remember the life of the 9-year-old Dublin boy who lost his battle to cancer.

On Saturday morning, the Dublin United Soccer League paused for a moment of silence before each soccer game to honor the life of Sirous Sadaghiani. Sadaghiani's brother, Zachary, is on the U14B Fire team, who wore black armbands in memory of Sadaghiani after the team paused for a moment of silence before releasing balloons. The U10B DUSL Fire and U10G Dynamo Divas also paid tribute during the day of remembering Sadaghiani.

The Dublin United Soccer League sent out an email on Sept. 18 to soccer families announcing the Saturday tribute to Sadaghiani:

Sirous stayed strong and was very brave in his fight against his cancer.  He endured much personal agony, to which he responded with calm  reassurance.  Despite his inspiring attitude, he unfortunately, was unable to prevail, and died on Saturday, September 7. His composure and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity has become both an inspiration as well as a lesson the fragility and preciousness of life.
It is the dedication and sacrifice of our families, and especially our coaches, who make DUSL a special place for youth athletics.  The Sadaghiani's have been extensively involved with coaching in DUSL for a very long time, and this tragic loss has been especially difficult for all of us who recognize how much this family has given to our club, sport and community.
While a moment of silence will be recognized in all of our Saturday games, the teams in which Sirous has surviving siblings (U14B Fire and U10G Dynamo) will have a special tribute.

Team manager Susan McCorriston told Patch, via email:

"Once rising they [the balloons] joined together and flew off as a group in the Dublin wind—not a single balloon strayed away from the pack. It truly felt like a testament to our community that we band together to provide strength and support." 

On Sunday night, a vigil was held in front of John Green Elementary. The vigil, organized by Tara Magnuson, was scheduled for the last of nine nights of luminaries lit around Dublin to honor Sadaghiani's life.

The nine nights of luminaries were organized by Colleen Pearson, who also arranged the "White Ribbons for Peace and Hope" movement last year after the death of a Dublin teen.

[Related article: Dublin Says Goodbye to Sirous Sadaghiani with Luminaries] 

McCorriston also attended the vigil and told Patch:

"Everyone attending lit candles in his memory. In the glow of the light individuals, including children, stood up in front of the crowd and spoke about their best memory of Sirous or what they learned from him. It was truly a touching event. Reza and Marlene should be also commended for their strength, sacrifice, perseverance and of course, never ending love. No parent should ever have to endure what they have had to do during these last ten months. It’s unimaginable pain and yet they stood strong and driven, constantly by Sirous’ side, caring for his every need and fighting for his care day in and day out. They’ve been to a place no one wants to be with their child and remained resilient the duration of it. That’s love."

According to the Dublin United Soccer Club, donations are being accepted to help with the cost of Sadaghiani's funeral services. The checks can be made out to Reza Sadaghiani and can be dropped off at John Green Elementary in Dublin.

Dublin United Soccer posted a video about the tributary events on Saturday. Watch the video here. John Green Elementary also posted a video dedicated to Sadaghiani. Click here to watch the full video. 

Sadaghiani died on Sept. 7 after a year-long battle with a rare brain tumor called gliomatosis cerebri. Sadaghiani had powerful support from the Dublin community and through his followers on Facebook, which has now grown to 5954 followers. 

Read about Sadaghiani's battle and the past fundraisers held for the Sadaghiani family by the Dublin community. 

• Sirous Sadaghiani Honored by Congressman Swalwell
  Funeral Services for Sirous Sadaghiani
• Dublin Community Mourns the Loss of Sirous Sadaghiani
• What People Are Saying Online About Loss of 9-Year-Old Who Battled Brain Cancer
• Father of Son Battling Rare Brain Tumor: 'Sirous Has Been a Gift From God'
• Boy With Rare Brain Tumor Celebrates Ninth Birthday
• Boy with Tumor Says He 'Wants to Treasure Every Day'
• Boy With Brain Tumor Comes Home After Months in Hospital
• Vito's Express Hosting Fundraiser for Dublin Boy Fighting Cancer
• Fundraiser Draws Community to Support Boy With Cancer

• Sixth Grader Selling Bracelets to Benefit 8-Year-Old Friend with Brain Tumor
• Rockin' Jump Benefit for Boy with Brain Tumor