Aaron William Godsoe, twelve year old, beloved son of Steven Godsoe and Cheryl Kiehn passed
away in his sleep on September 23, 2017. This amazing, loving, little boy was full of life even when he was not well.
As stated in his Obituary from Allens Mortuary;
Aaron never gave up and never surrendered from the time he was born. He was full of life and fearless. He always had a smile even when he was too tired to play. Aaron loved riding quads with his father and brother Jeremy. He enjoyed candle making with his mother. He enjoyed sunny afternoons outside with his sister Haley and nephew Aiden. He had a special bond with all of his pets, especially his dogs. Each and everyday he was able to spend with his loving family was a gift. He often quoted his favorite saying “Never Give Up–Never Surrender”. The Incredible Hulk, super-hero, gave Aaron strength and helped him deal with his illness. He loved reading, drawing and painting.
Aaron touched many people, especially me. He had a great spirituality and quiet calm, for
one so young. There is a certain strange, irony that I sit here writing this article about Aaron on the day that would have been his thirteenth birthday. I met seven year old kindergartner, Aaron on April of 2012, and wrote his first story, while he was patiently waiting for a new heart. I was amazed by this little boy’s strenghth and courage, for one so young the fortitude this little boy possessed was inspirational. With the loving support of his family, Aaron fought each day of his short life.
Aaron was born October 18, 2004 at Doctors Hospital in Manteca California. Soon after his birth,
his doctors discovered Aaron had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrom; the left side of his heart had
not developed normally. After many surgeries the doctors decided that Aaron needed a heart transplant, so he was placed on a donors list.
Tony Dutra and Kids Need Help Inc. suprised Aaron and his family with a 50’s 60’s Dinner
Dance fundraiser to help with expenses for Aaron’s heart transplant. In 2012 Aaron underwent a heart transplant at UCLA. After a successful transplant Aaron recovered and resumed a fairly normal life for a short time, until his body began to reject his new heart. He once again
had to make frequent trips to the hospital and many prolonged periods of required hospitalizations.
After his last stay in the hospital in January of 2017, Aaron had decided he did not want to be on
another transplant list. He was so very tired of the ups and downs he had suffered throughout his short life and the great toll it had taken on his fragile body.
Aaron and his family had hoped to go to Disneyland with the help of Make A Wish Foundation
but were unable to make the vacation a reality, so on April 27 2017, Make A Wish had granted the family a Rush Wish since Aaron’s prognosis was not good and he was now on Hospice Care.
Aaron received a basket of gifts from the Make A Wish Foundation and a surprise visit from the Merced County Law Enforcement and K9 officers. Aaron had wanted to be a K9 Officer when he grew up, his mother, Cheryl informed me. When Aaron was no longer able to sleep in his own bed, a hospital bed was moved into the living room for him. His ten year old brother Jeremy
insisted on sleeping in the living room with him.
Aaron’s parents and siblings are devastated by his loss, and his brother Jeramy has still not returned to the bedroom that he once shared with his brother. I was so inspired by Aaron’s story that I wanted to share the life of a truely brave boy who lived his short life to the fullest; while overcoming obstacles many adults would find difficult to face each day. He inspired every-
one who met him with his love, kindness, strength,
and courage.
Aaron was a very special young man who inspired his family, friends, doctors, nurses
and hospice volunteers. The cost of Aaron’s medical expenses throughout the years have
been substantial and the financial debt on this family is great, any donation would be very much appreciated.
Aaron’s Family has a gofundme account under Aaron Godsoe if you would like to donate to Unexpected life expenses for Aaron.