Beloved Boy, Manhattan's Superhero, 4, Dies After Cancer Fight

MANHATTAN, IL — The Manhattan community is mourning one of its most beloved, with the death of a 4-year-old preschooler following his years-long cancer battle.

Brendan Burns died Thursday, Oct. 26 after fighting neuroblastoma since 2021, according to an obituary. Brendan's battle came into focus for the town, as his family shared updates on his fight via social media.

Parents Tim and Megan shared their son's journey with supporters they call Brendan's Brigade. They've shared updates, photos and memories with the group via social media page Brave 4 Brendan, creating a cheering section for their pint-sized warrior.

The community has rallied behind the Burns family in recent months, creating special moments and memories for them. Yellow ribbons were tied to trees around town in support of Brendan. He made it to his first Chicago White Sox game in August—even delivered the game ball—and the community organized a block party in his honor. In late-August, Manhattan firefighters, along with Project Fire Buddies and St. Joseph School, named him an honorary firefighter—complete with equipment with his name on it. In September, nonprofits Christmas Without Cancer and Finley Forever Foundation brought Christmas to Brendan a little early, adorning the family's home with lights and decorations.

As a chosen "fire buddy" with nonprofit Project Fire Buddies, Brendan was paired with the local chapter of the organization, a volunteer-led effort by local fire departments to show support for children battling critical illness. His family having recently moved to Manhattan, Brendan's first fire buddy was Nick Engel, a firefighter for Oak Lawn Fire Department. Engel was the one to pin Brendan, with Manhattan Fire Protection District Chief Steve Malone, Project Fire Buddies, and others cheering for the new littlest of the bravest. Firefighters dressed in their blues, marking it as a formal occasion.

"Brendan brought our members so much joy over the last year," Malone told Patch after the ceremony. "This ceremony was the very least we could do for our little fire buddy."

Family wrote a loving tribute to Brendan in the obituary.

In preschool at St. Joseph in Manhattan, Brendan "enjoyed coloring and sparring with his little sister." His fight with neuroblastoma "was fierce but he never complained and even looked forward to seeing his doctors and nurses."

St. Joseph Principal Colleen Domke remarked on the loss.

"Our hearts are heavy with you, Tim, Megan, Maggie & Burns family," Domke wrote. "He was a wonderful, sweet, incredible boy and will always be a St. Joseph Charger!"

Brendan is survived by parents Timothy and Megan Burns, sister Margaret “Maggie” Burns, grandparents Marcie and Ed Naglich, John Burns, Lynlee Wessels Marhanka and Scott Marhanka; uncles John (Megan) Burns, Kevin (Jackie) Burns, D.J. (Kate) Burns and Marty Naglich. Cousins Eily, Jameson, Nolan, Owen, Ben, Emory, Deegan and Chloe. Extended family O’Sullivan, Naglich, and Burns family members.

He also leaves behind his beloved puppy, Elsa.

In honor of Brendan's love for "everything Spiderman," the family strongly encourages those attending his services to wear Spiderman or Brave 4 Brendan swag.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. from 4 to 8 p.m. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan. Funeral service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Project Fire Buddies, Finley Forever Foundation, or Christmas Without Cancer.