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The Remarkable Seth Cook

Posted: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 5:23 PM by Dateline Editor

by Fred Rothenberg, Dateline Producer

I learned a lot from Seth Cook. And he was only 11 years old.

When I first met Seth for a Dateline story, he was racing his toy truck down the hill in front of his house in Darrington, Wash. Because he was just 3-feet tall and would never get any bigger, he was actually "on" the truck, riding down the hill. I was scared for him, but he had mastered the move and showed no fear.

It was Seth's lot in life, as teacher, that he taught so many people not to worry about him and enjoy him for who he was.

Who he was, was so much more than just a boy with progeria, the rare disease that ages children prematurely. Except for his wisdom beyond his years, he would never grow up ... just grow older.

He was a joyful pre-teen who loved playing video games and watching his hyperactive dog crash-land trying to reach an elusive bubble. Oh, did that make him laugh as the dog -- who was not hurt -- landed with a thud.

But that wasn't his only type of infectious laugh. Anyone who watched him play a cutthroat game of Monopoly will remember that infamous cackle as he successfully maneuvered past enemy properties and collected 400 bucks. Then we'd all laugh as he fanned himself with his new-found pile of cash.

But we also cried when he announced to correspondent Rob Stafford, "I can't wait to get to heaven." It had gummi bears, chocolate rabbits and no limitations on the fish he would catch, he said. His late grandfather was there, too.

As we all wanted, Rob said he wanted Seth to wait ... to wait long enough for a cure for progeria.

Well, there's a big hole on earth today and a bigger addition to heaven.

Seth Cook died Monday, a month before his 14th birthday. His huge heart finally gave out on him.

As his mother, Patti, said in announcing his passing: "He will be missed by so many as there were so many lives he touched."

Dateline and our viewers were honored to be among the people he touched.

For more information, visit The Progeria Research Foundation

 

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Comments

i am so sad to hear that we lost such a wise and brave sole. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends
and his beloved dog to. God bless you all.

stephanie vancouver washington (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 4:31 PM)

I'm glad that I got to see on dateline. He really touched my heart such a little person with a big heart. He really taught me how to appreciate life rather than thriving on what I can't do. My prayers are with you Seth I'm glad your HOME. There is no place than that God Bless you baby & thank you for existing to show the world that you were a strong little man. To the family my God Bless You & keep you.

T.J. ,Lima, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 4:32 PM)

what a wonderful kid - my prayers go out to you all.

marge rosenberger, wenatchee, wa (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 4:36 PM)

Those of us left behind, your wonderful family and friends, those of us who loved you just from watching your story, have tears today, but God is smiling, you are surely at his side.

Dorothy Carey, Dover, DE (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 4:38 PM)

What a precious little boy seth was...  He was so sweet and innocent that God probably wanted him as one of his angels.. To the family, You will always have him looking over you until one day you are together again...  

Joy Miller, Franklin, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 4:40 PM)

I believe Seth was a mystical traveller, coming here on earth to teach the rest of us how to have love & compassion. He was an angel sent by God, & now has taken him home, from whence he came. My greatest sympathy to his family, & many friends. He is dearly loved, & will be missed!!!

Jackie Henry Sudbury Ontario, Canada (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 4:51 PM)

Seth's presence on this earth was a blessing.
May the family and friends be comforted by the prayers and well wishes of those whose lives he touched.  melvina donovan

melvina donovan, las vegas, nevada (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 5:16 PM)

I lost a nephew at 3 years old to meningitis. What a strong spirit these young people are. Bless you SETH.

david Ford Douglassville, Pa. (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 5:19 PM)

My  thoughts  and  prayers  go  out  to  Seth's  family  in this  time  of  sorrow..  But  it  sounds  like  Seth  was looking  forward  to  going  home.

L. Garrett, South Carolina (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 5:29 PM)

For Seth...Bless you and I know you are in heaven and free from the pain you suffered; what a joy you brought to so many people in your short life.  To the family.....my sorrow and prayers are with you -- it is difficult to lose a child but heaven is a brighter place since Seth arrived!!!

Sherri, Vancouver, WA (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 5:32 PM)

i am verysorry.....

ilene glick nyc ny (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 5:34 PM)

I miss u , Seth. Ur an inspiration to everyone.

cendy, Philippines (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 5:53 PM)

I remember watching Seth on Oprah (I think it was) and how remarkable he was!  It is always an eye opener when you see someone such as Seth with such a HUGE spirit and soul.  We can all learn from Seth-not to take life for granted but also to be happy for what you have-no matter how small it amy seem.  Rest in peace Seth-and know that I will think of you often-always with a smile.

A friend from far away.

Debbie S in (small town) Washington State (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 6:08 PM)

Seth touched our hearts in Ireland too. May God have mercy on his mighty soul.  There is an old old saying here and it's worth repeating in the hope that Seth's family might read it;

'Death is not the extinguishing of the Light,
But rather the dousing of a candle
Because a new day has dawned'.

Seth knows.

Derek Dean Dublin Ireland (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 6:11 PM)

God picked the right family to give him to. And now he is taking him back.  Blessings to all.  Mary Ealy

Mary Ealy (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 6:28 PM)

My symphathy to the family and those closest to Seth........the worlds loss but Heavens gain. He is in the arms of Jesus now and Heaven is filled with his laughter! God takes those who are just to good for this world.

Susana Aitken, B.C. Canada (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 6:43 PM)

What a true blessing that was bestowed upon your family to be guardian of such a special angel on earth.  May God comfort you and all close to Seth during this time.  Seth carried the spirit that we all should learn from. My deepest sympathy.

Diana Hanson, Seaman, OH (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 7:15 PM)

My heart goes out to you. I KNW seth is in heaven & they are having a BIG party to celebrate his arrival. Are they not lucky to get him!  

YVONNE SHORT SUNCITY ARIZONA (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 7:18 PM)

A radio show in Seattle used Seth as an example that there could be no God.  That a good and loving God would not allow such things to happen to a child.  It seems to me that only God could give us such a wonderful person to learn from and a reason to give back more to others than we take.  See you in Heaven Seth and thanks for showing us all how happy we can be if only we open our hearts and let it happen.

Candy D. Richmond - Auburn, Washington (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 7:19 PM)

Seth was and is a shining example of a candle burning brightly that will not go out.Our limitations are what we make them!!! He proved that to the world.We all can learn from him.He was a gift to us all.

mary m zoby (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 7:30 PM)

This kid just glowed! I loved watching his spirit dance! What an inspiration! The things we can learn from a child never ceases to amaze me. Their perception on life and heaven is so clear to them. My heart goes out to the family. Nuture your grieving. You will see him in everything. His mother is as golden as he was. I'm sure he will shine down on her until she can join him in heaven. Heaven just gained a beautiful Angel.

Shelley, Santa Monica, CA (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 8:57 PM)

My heart and payer's are with his family and the friends that weren't afraid of him and got to know who he was...May GOD Bless the family. And know he is pain free in heaven.

Michelle Tulsa,Oklahoma (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 9:01 PM)

To Seth's Mom and Dad.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. God chose you for this special little boy, He knew no others would fit the bill. Thank you for allowing all of us in to your family. Your son will be missed by those of us that never knew him. He has unlimited fish, gummi bears, and chocolate bunnies !! Linda

Linda Baptista Toledo, ohio (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 9:27 PM)

in this world there are special angels. children like seth fall into this catagory. they touch the lifes on many before they leave this world and they give other children who like seth a hero to look up to up to and they see hope that there may be a cure for them or a journey that can be met with enthusiam.

D R New Castle. Indiana (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 10:02 PM)

My family and I have been following Seth's story for awhile now. Everytime we passed through Darrington we would always think about him and recall reading his article in the Seattle Times. We were even lucky enough to eat at the same restaurant as Seth in Arlington. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, we are sorry for your loss, but thank you for sharing him with the rest of us. God bless you!

Jennifer, Lopez Island, Washington (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 10:15 PM)

I am so sorry to hear of Seth's passing.  He was a brave little trooper and was loved by everyone that knew him. I never had the opportunity of meeting him personally. I grew up in the same town you were  growing up in and went to the same school you attended. I know God has a very special place in heaven for you.  You have touched many of our lives with your story. I ask God to comfort Mama and Daddy with their loss.  I know you are going to be missed.  I bet Grandpa is happy to see you.  You will never be forgotten here on earth.  Hugs.  

Tootie Cassingham, Marysville, Wash (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 11:01 PM)

He embodied the love of God, what a remarkable young man.  I will certainly never forget him.  What he displayed was a joy that has no words.  May God Bless & Comfort the family during their time of grief & loss.  But please remember, a love like his never dies, it can only grow.......

Brian Smith, Williamstown, W.V. (Sent Wednesday, June 27, 2007 11:47 PM)

I just read the news that little Seth passed. He was a source of inspiration. When given the opportunity to be in the presence of children who have special needs, we can either view it as a misfortune, or embrace it as the blessing that it is. Having had a nephew who lived with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy for twenty years, our family learned from the courage he demonstrated what it means to rise above your situation. He was a hero to his family and many others. The same can be said of Seth who  was a courageous warrior, whose life has ended, but whose presence continues for everyone whose life he touched.  My prayers are with his family.    

J. A. Penn, Richmond, CA (Sent Thursday, June 28, 2007 12:06 AM)

To the family of Seth Cook, may the strength of God,friends and family help you through this difficult time. I watched Seth's story on tv not long ago and was deeply touched by his strength and courage. It gives me encouragement to make it through my own difficult days and to value what I have, not what I don't. God bless!

lisa,tacoma,washington (Sent Thursday, June 28, 2007 1:42 AM)

I was fortunate enough to know Seth from the time he was quite young.  Throughout his life he did what we all wish to do:  he truly lived each moment.  I will remember him always and pray for his parents to find comfort in having the priviledge to have him as their son.

Bonnie Brayden, Shoreline WA (Sent Thursday, June 28, 2007 2:52 AM)

Fly little angel, fly.  You touched so many in your few short years.  We are all better for having "known" a true hero.

julie oliver st catharines, ontario canada (Sent Thursday, June 28, 2007 6:43 AM)

MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO SETH'S FAMILY AND ALL THE PEOPLE HE LEAVES BEHIND.  MAY HE ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL HEAVENS AND HIS SPIRIT IS FREE FROM ALL PAIN AND SADNESS.  GOD IS WONDERFUL AND JUST, HE KNOWS WHEN TO TAKE US ALL FROM THIS PLACE.  PEACE TO YOU ALL, ESPECIALLY TO ALL THE PEOPLE, THIS STRONG AND BRAVE YOUNG MAN, WHO TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES WITH HIS DIGNITY AND FAITH. GOD BLESS YOU ALL

JOSEPHINE FAZAL (Sent Thursday, June 28, 2007 7:57 AM)

I remember watching the show about Seth and I thought what a wonderful young man to be so strong in the face of adversity. I give these children a high five for the courage and strength they show.My heart and prayers go out to Seth's family and I'm sure Seth is looking down watching all of us mourn his loss saying, it's ok you guys, I'm happy here.

Sharon Lamont, Surrey, B.C. Canada (Sent Thursday, June 28, 2007 11:07 AM)

It is sad to hear of Seth's passing.  I have a daughter that has Progeria & I heard at the Progeria reunion that Seth could not make it because he was sick.  Patti & Kyle you did a great job helping raise awareness for children with Progeria by doing the Dateline special.  Thank you for all you have done, and eventually we WILL beat this disease.

Tim, Monclova, OH (Sent Thursday, June 28, 2007 4:59 PM)

To Seth's Family, He is now your guardian Angel, free from his earthbound pain.  He will always be in your hearts and many others as well.Take comfort in your memories as he will live on forever in them.

Apache, Aliso Viejo, CA (Sent Saturday, June 30, 2007 2:20 AM)

Dear Seth, family and friends,

I am truly sorry to hear of your passing, to your dear fanily and friends i know your faith will help you through this, my thoughts and prayers are with you all, Seth may you be smiling in heaven with your friends from the reunions as well as your Grandpa. You are one of the true remaining heros to grace this land.
Keep smiling in a place better than this one, where everyone will see you again one day.

Claire, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom (Sent Sunday, July 01, 2007 1:24 PM)

I JUST  read about Seths passing.  His personality reached through the tv, I can only imagine wht he was like in person.  He was the same age as my own son, and my heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Eileen (Sent Monday, July 02, 2007 2:15 PM)

I so enjoyed watching Seth play those drums!  He was a great musician.  Thank God, there are angels on earth.  What would we do without them?  

ROCK ON, SETH!!!!

We will meet in that "Big Jam Session" and we can fish all you want.  Until we meet,

God, Bless this Family.

Vickie Hernandez,Pensacola, Florida (Sent Monday, July 02, 2007 4:37 PM)

Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved son, Seth. He was a inspiration to all who knew him. How fortunate he was to have such beautiful and loving parents. He is now in a much better place. God bless you all.

Sherry, El Paso, Texas (Sent Monday, July 02, 2007 11:02 PM)

Such a little boy but so much courage. He touched my life. God Bless you all at this time and know that his spirit will live on in all those he touched.

Anita Felts, Kannapolis, Nc (Sent Tuesday, July 03, 2007 9:48 AM)

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss.  Thank you for sharing Seth and his story
on Dateline. I have learned from his positive attitude and will remember his smiling face in the years to come. He was an inspiration for all.
God Bless.  

Joyce Burnsville, MN (Sent Wednesday, July 04, 2007 7:56 PM)

I just read the Dateline story on Seth. I am so sorry I missed it when it first aired. Seth seemed like such a dynamic little guy. I have seen other stories on Progeria children and Seth's attitude was like the other children I've seen. His faith in God is amazing and a huge credit to his parents. I just know that he and his Grandpa are fishing right now! My thoughts and prayers are with Seth's parents and family.

Terry Beach, Bennington, VT (Sent Thursday, July 05, 2007 1:11 PM)

God Bless you Seth. Thank you so much for gracing this Earth with your wonderful presence.  I know you're up in heaven eating all the gummi bears you want!  See you someday : )

Stephanie, St. Louis, MO (Sent Friday, July 06, 2007 10:04 AM)

Our hearts go out to Seth's family.  He surely is teaching the angels in heaven how to fish and play the drums.  Seth touched so many lives, and we will miss his stories, laughter, wisdom and courage.  We will never forget him.  

Floyd & Ruby Goodman, Lincoln City, Ore (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 6:10 AM)

My heart aches and at the same time rejoices.  The Lord gives us children for only a little while. To Seth's parent's - "Lord Thank you for all that I have, all that I've lost and all that You have given me"

angela mercy - wisconsin (Sent Saturday, July 14, 2007 11:53 AM)

It is extremely sad when you hear of a child dying ahead of his time from something like Seth Cook had but I have followed his story from beginning to end and he taught me many lessons that I will always remember. To his parents and family, you have my sincerest condolences at the loss of Seth, nobody else could ever replace him. He went too soon, God bless him and keep him safe!

Linda Ames, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 10:32 PM)

My heart goes out to Seth's family.  What a remarkable young man.  We could all certainly learn a lesson from him.   God bless him and his family.

Elizabeth, Houston, Texas (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:38 PM)

God gave you an angel and he will watch over you forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I will never forget Seth Cook.

Linda Florio Warwick, RI (Sent Wednesday, August 15, 2007 8:57 AM)

I'm really blessed by Seth and his family's sweet spirit throughtout his life. The next challenge is continuing without him here. My prayers are with you all as you adjust. Life still has purpose and your life is still unfolding. Seth will always be a part, but in a different way. God will still use you to help others. God bless!

Suzanne White Elyria, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 4:02 PM)

KUDOS TO SETHS PARENTS IT TAKES REMARKABLE PEOPLE TO RAISE A REMARKABLE PERSON, SETH IS TRULY AN INSPIRATION SO MANY TIMES I'VE HAD WHAT I CALL A "BAD DAY" AND ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT THAT IS SHAME ON ME, WHAT THIS LITTLE BOY WENT THROUGH EVERY DAY OF HIS LIFE AND NEVER COMPLAINED ALWAYS LIVING EVERY DAY AS GOD WOULD WANT TO THE FULLEST IS AMAZING, HOW LITTLE PROBLEMS BECOME WHEN YOU STEP INTO THE WORLD OF SUCH A BRAVE AND GRATEFUL PERSON LIVING WITH SUCH TOUGH CIRCUMSTANCES, I HAVE A SON MYSELF HE IS ONLY 1 1/2 AND IT HURTS ME WHEN HE CRIES, GETS HURT, OR SICK, I CANT EVER IMAGINE THE PAIN SETHS PARENTS MUST OF FELT TO SEE HIM SUFFER, YOU GUYS ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME AS A PARENT, THANK YOU

jaqueline sandoval, el paso, texas (Sent Thursday, August 23, 2007 4:48 PM)



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