Cleveland: Classmates honor cancer victim with book

CLEVELAND -- Elementary school classmates of a boy who died of cancer have honored his life and memory by writing and publishing a book about their friend.

"Remembering D" is the story of Demetrius Smith, as told by his classmates at Holy Rosary Montessori School in Cleveland's Little Italy.

Demetrius died on May 29, 2008 of the brain and spinal cancer that was first diagnosed when he was 2 1/2 years old, and which required multiple surgeries and eventually left Demetrius in a wheelchair.

Shortly after he died, Demetrius' classmates wanted to find a way to honor his memory and make his legacy live on, as he had such an impact on them and on the community in his short but spectacular life.

"We had to figure out how to go on without him, and how to preserve his wonderful legacy," said his teacher Anna Discenzo. She led what became to be known as the "D Team," the group of students which conceived, wrote, illustrated, and published this remarkable book.

Demetrius' joy and cheerful disposition despite his debilitating cancer, and his love of everyone and everything come shining through in this unique labor of love.

He was so brave and confident of his faith he told his family and friends he was not afraid to die because he was going home to the Good Shepherd.

"Demetrius touched so many lives, yet God called him because he had completed his job for Him," said his great aunt Lavonia Johnson.

Demetrius was the son of two decorated Cleveland police officers, Reggie Smith, and Alcenia Small-Smith. He left a legacy of courage, faith, friendship, and love.