Trevor James Rallo’s hourglass was loosing sand faster than most people’s and he knew it. After a cancer diagnosis in 2017 he knew something like this could happen. And yet when he gazed into that blackhole that is mortality he decided not to go gentle into that good night. He raged against his own dying light. Over the following six years he lived a different life. He began studying biology. He became a published author. He studied potential mosquito repellents and salamanders and shredder populations in local waterways. He went to Canada and hiked mountains. He hosted one of the greatest house shows in history. He became president of SIUE’s radio club. He hosted science conferences. He laid down a thumping bass for inspiring emcees. He gave a commencement speech at his graduation. He officiated a wedding. He explored, he listened, he tried, he embraced, and he lived.

He lived more in six years than some people get to in 20. Trevors life revolved around taking advantage of every possible opportunity. He left behind a legacy for his friends and family to follow. He proved regardless of what had happened in your past, it’s never too late to get out of the sunk in spot on the couch and go live the life you were meant to live.

“Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,   

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

-Dylan Thomas