Brian Kamenetzky Bryan Monahan and Aaron Ross

It is with a heavy heart that I report the untimely passing of 12-year-old Bryan Monahan. A budding BMXer from West Islip, NY, Bryan came to light during X Games 15, when he was given the chance to meet and hang out with his idol, pro BMXer Aaron Ross.

Diagnosed with recurrent neuroblastoma, a rare children's cancer he battled since age 2, Bryan asked his mother in early '09 if he could be granted another Make-a-Wish (his first wish was to go to Disney World when he was 4).

His additional wish was to meet pro BMXer Aaron Ross, which was fulfilled at X Games 15 last year. With myself in tow, Aaron surprised Bryan at his hotel room with a gigantic duffel bag of bike parts, soft goods, finger bikes and more. Bryan was beyond psyched, and not only that, Bryan and Aaron got the chance to shoot the breeze on riding BMX, discussing whether or not to ride brakeless, when to wear a helmet and how to handle bike thieves.

During the short time we spent with Bryan at his hotel, we witnessed his vibrant spirit, focused on having fun, smiling and living life to the fullest. And when we left the hotel, it was safe to say that we were both touched by Bryan's strength and courage.

Aaron remained in close contact with Bryan and his family, and was planning to visit Bryan later this month. "I just wanna thank Bryan and his family for everything and let them know I'm thinking of them right now," said Ross earlier today.

Rest in peace Bryan.