LYNN — Lynn native Doug Gillette, 37, died suddenly at Mass General on June 15, surrounded by his family.
Gillette woke up one morning in 2006 paralyzed from the neck down, later discovering he had a rare form of spinal cancer known as Gangluineuroblastoma.
Gillette had to undergo surgery for the tumor, but his doctors gave him a 20 percent chance of surviving it. He did exactly that for 15 years — the only person in the country to survive that long, his grandmother — who raised him — said.
The years of spinal operations did result in the loss of all of his mobility, but Coreen Gillette, his grandmother, said ‘Dougie’ accepted his condition from Day One and was determined to live his life.
Gillette did just that, living in a handicapped-accessible apartment at the Rolfe House on Willow Street and was the “mayor” of the building, according to Coreen.
“Douglas was a people person,” Coreen said. “He socialized everyday sitting either in front of the Rolfe House or in the lobby, or traveling through the city in his wheelchair.”
Gillette had personal-care attendants, but was able to get around on his own in a manual wheelchair.
He also obtained a hand-control license, which allowed him to drive an adaptable vehicle using just his hands. The license is available to people with medical disabilities who have been medically cleared to drive.
He was still able to care for his daughter Arianna, who Coreen said he loved so much.
Gillette spread his love beyond his family, dedicating time to the community as a member of the Lynn Disability Commission, on the Director’s Board at the Lynn Community Health Center, a mentor for disabled persons at Boston Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and offered his mentorship to anyone in need.
Growing up, Gillette attended Sisson Elementary School, Pickering Middle School, and was a member of the 2002 Northeastern Conference Championship basketball team at Lynn English High School. He was a multisport athlete, who Coreen said loved to stay active.
Former English basketball coach Antonio Anderson recalled Gillette’s inspirational messages and love for the game.
Gillette’s family members took to Facebook to pay tribute to him, with cousins remembering him for his constant positivity and lighting up every room he entered.
Gillette was described as being loved by everybody, always having a smile on his face, and never giving up.
A memorial has been set up in front of the Rolfe House, with a photo of Gillette and candles and cards. Friends visiting recall Gillette as a “great” guy who cared for everyone and will be greatly missed.
Services for Gillette will be held at Goodrich Funeral Home on 128 Washington St. on Tuesday, June 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral will be held the following day, Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m.
In memory of Gillette, the family asks for donations to be made to the United Spinal Association Greater Boston Chapter at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected]
