Weston Paszkiewicz was only 10 years old when he lost his battle with cancer on November 18, 2025.
The young boy from Long Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family while watching his favorite sport, hockey.
His parents, John and Danielle Paszkiewicz, shared the sad news that evening at 7:40 p.m.
John and Danielle Paszkiewicz are the devoted parents of Weston.
The couple married in October 2013 and welcomed three beautiful children into their lives.
Weston was born in August 2015, followed by a younger brother and sister.
The family lived together in Long Lake, where they built many happy memories centered around hockey and togetherness.
John works as a senior manufacturing engineer at Emerson Automation Solutions. Danielle has been a constant source of strength for her family, especially during Weston’s illness.
She shared an emotional update on social media about her son’s final moments.
Danielle wrote-:
“Our hearts are heavy as we write this update, We sadly share that Weston passed away this evening at 7:40 p.m. He has completed his battle with cancer and, as our kids say, is now cancer free! He was surrounded by his family and passed peacefully while watching a hockey game, believe it or not.”
Via cbsnews
She described how Weston woke up that morning with very little strength and seemed confused.
The family carried him to the couch when he couldn’t walk on his own.
They noticed his pupils were unequal and there was a visible droop on the left side of his face, signs that he had suffered a stroke during the night.
The hospice nurse came to their home and confirmed Weston would likely not wake up. She made sure he had all the medications needed to stay comfortable.
Throughout the day, many aunts, uncles, and cousins visited to say goodbye. Weston was reminded how much love surrounded him.
Danielle wrote-:
“Weston, you are the most courageous, strong, resilient, incredible person ever and we love you forever, Sleep tight Weston, everyone loves you so much!”
Via caringbridge
Weston’s Love for Hockey Began Early
He dreamed of playing for the Minnesota Wild, his favorite team. Sadly, his life took a difficult turn around Christmas 2024 when he started feeling unwell.
His parents took him to the pediatrician, and after tests, they were sent to the Emergency Room at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital.
On January 3, 2025, doctors diagnosed Weston with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
He immediately began intense treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a bone marrow biopsy, and central line placement.
He spent at least a month in the hospital for each cycle, with hopes of short visits home in between.
Despite the challenges, Weston’s spirit never faded.
In late October 2025, the Make-A-Wish Foundation made his biggest dream come true.
They worked with the Minnesota Wild to give him a one-day contract with the team.
On October 30, police escorted Weston from his Long Lake home to Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. Neighbors lined the streets, cheering him on.
He signed his official contract, toured the locker room, and joined the team for their morning skate.
That night, he skated the Wild flag to center ice before their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins even gave him a special “player of the game” helmet.
The Minnesota Wild honored Weston again on Hockey Fights Cancer night, just days before his passing. His story touched hearts across the state and beyond.
Friends and the hockey community supported the Paszkiewicz family from the start.
Stephanie Mehrkens set up a GoFundMe to help prepare their home for Weston’s return and cover medical needs.
The campaign aimed for $180,000 and shared details of Weston’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
The Jefferson Hockey Booster Club also paid tribute.
“Weston showed what true strength, bravery, and heart look like, He faced every moment with a spirit far beyond his years.”
Via Facebook
They asked the Minnesota hockey community to honor Weston by placing hockey sticks outside their front doors on Friday night.
People were encouraged to share photos with the hashtag #sticksoutforweston as a symbol of love and unity.
Weston Paszkiewicz’s parents, John and Danielle, watched their son fight with incredible bravery for nearly a year.
Though his time was short, Weston inspired everyone who knew his story. He reminded the world how precious life is and how much joy a simple game like hockey can bring.
The Paszkiewicz family continues to grieve, but they find comfort in knowing Weston is now free from pain.
His memory lives on in the sticks left outside, the cheers from neighbors, and the love that will never fade.
Rest in peace, Weston. Your family, friends, and the entire hockey community will always remember you.
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