This morning Desert Bus for Hope lost a vibrant member of our community. Daniel Davis was released from his long battle with cancer this morning at his family home in Jacksonville, Alabama.

We met Daniel in 2011 when he was granted a wish from the Make a Wish Foundation. He chose, much to our surprise, to use his opportunity to join us at the Moonbase for Desert Bus for Hope 5. Of all the things he could have received, he chose to be with us. We were terrified that we would be a disappointment. What could we possibly give to this teenager who had already been through so much and faced such an uncertain future?

What we didn’t realize is that *he* would give *us* something. He didn’t need anything from us. Instead, he saw an opportunity to give back to his community, to turn his personal situation into a force for good, and to raise money to benefit others in situations similar to his. We had a fantastic time with Daniel and his absence is deeply felt.

We are grateful to Daniel’s family and the Make a Wish Foundation, for enabling his trip to Desert Bus for Hope 5. We are better off for having had him as a part of our lives and he will forever remain a part of our community.

Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with Daniel’s wonderful family and his many friends who provided such love, support, and laughter during his all-too-brief life.

Love,
The Desert Bus Team

Personal notes shared by the Desert Bus crew: Jeremy Petter and Alex Steacy.

Some fun moments with Daniel at Desert Bus 5:

• We learn a little bit about Daniel while Daniel pretends to be James
• Thigh-ending Crabcore with Alex and Jer
• Daniel plays D&D-style Desert Bus
• Scenes from the Chat: “Say Bus one more time!”
• An Iron Stomach Challenge
• An improvised a capella dubstep remix of the Carmen San Diego theme song. Maybe?
• Goodbye and a group hug