Billy Newell Truman

Billy Newell Truman, age 30, was freed from this earthly journey on February 8, 2018. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 30, 1987. Billy married the love of his life, Diana Truman, on June 27, 2013, and they enjoyed building a life together through all the joys and sorrows life brought. Billy loved horses, dogs, kids, superheroes (especially Batman), romantic rescues of damsels in distress, churros, country music, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and especially his mom, Carla. As a child growing up in the care of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Billy served on the Children’s Advisory Council and helped create a safe healing place for children. Billy loved being part of a big family, adored Grandma and Grandpa Truman, and took special pride in helping Carla take care of younger kids. Despite not being able to eat for most of his life, he learned to cook and was crowned “Chef Baba-Jou” in cooking class. Billy was so proud to graduate high school in May 2007, the very same month he received a life-saving organ transplant at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Billy represented to many the embodiment of endurance, perseverance, and hope. He also suffered immensely and deeply, through countless surgeries and procedures, and struggled against mental illness, learning disabilities, and trauma. His life was touched by innumerable heroes who gave of their time, talents, skills, money, and passions: family members, friends, teachers, doctors, nurses, therapists, med techs, home care staff, child life specialists, pastors and prayer warriors, financial donors, dozens of others who cared, and of course, the organ donor family who made the bravest decision in 2007. He reminds us that no one should be overlooked or cast aside, that even those who are sometimes difficult to love, deserve love all the same, and that we all can do something, even a little, to bless the life of the next struggling kid, scared patient, hopeless parent, or grown man trying his best to love his wife as best he can. Billy was blessed to have experienced unconditional love from his mom and his wife, and stepped into eternity in the peace and security of God’s unconditional love and acceptance.

Donations in Billy's honor, in lieu of flowers, can be made at:

https://phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/

Please add "Child Life Program" in the NOTES section to support the wonderful work of this program.