Edwin Osei Tuffour

Edwin, who called himself TARZAN, was born on October 24, 2007 to Kwaku Osei Frempah and Vida Abena Kwapong. He was the third of four children. Edwin was such an energetic and lively child. He was always full of smiles and was never angry or emotional even in his fight against his illness.  In 2010, Edwin was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), five days after he was  enrolled in Creche in Silicon Valley International School in Ghana. Edwin never learned to read the alphabet, let alone write his own name. His battle against leukemia started at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for four years. Edwin came to Columbus, Ohio for treatment, from February until he was called home. Although Edwin’s illness made him frail, he always possessed strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome the odds of the illness and it’s physical challenges. With his strength and courage, we were able to face our own weaknesses when we realized how strong Edwin was. Edwin gave us hope to even face our fears. Through Edwin, we were able to develop a closer relationship with God. Edwin never forgot his creator. Edwin wanted to be a pastor. At times, he would imitate pastors and would pray for you. Edwin’s life would seem to many as too short, but those of us who were close to Tarzan and were touched by him, understand that the quality of life exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Edwin’s alias, Kwame Broni, was a name he was given during the last few months of his life by his aunty when his hair began to grow back, after undergoing a Bone Marrow Transplant, and looked fine like a white person’s hair. He loved that name very much and never ceased to tell everyone that came to see him. Edwin’s gentle and infectious smile would melt the heart of those who came into contact with him.  Though during the last days, Edwin wasn’t talking as he used to, his voice and thoughts could always be felt and heard. With his strength, courage and love, he taught us that each day was a blessing and an opportunity to create a lasting memory. Edwin loved the color GREEN and loved to watch the movies “CARS”, “SHREK” and “RAPUNZEL”.  Edwin is survived by his loving parents, Kwaku and Vida, his sister Lisa, and brothers, Leslie and Manuel. Edwin was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Robert Kwame Osei.