Ferranti said that she and her husband, Mike, grew close to the Campbells during their time in Long Beach. The Campbells took Ty to the Fall Festival and other events. “We actually became friendly because [Cindy’s] husband and my husband are athletes and participated in triathlons,” Ferranti said, “and my husband used him as a chiropractor.”

Lou Campbell ran the New York City Marathon in 2011 in honor of Ty, and raised thousands of dollars for pediatric cancer research. He and his sister, Debi, crossed the finish line with Ty in their arms.

Cindy Campbell has vowed to keep Ty’s memory alive with her blog and by raising money for pediatric cancer research through the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation. “They’re going to do everything in their power to help others so that other kids don’t have to go through what they endured,” Ferranti said.

“Ty’s journey has just begun,” Cindy Campbell wrote on Facebook on Oct. 19. “He will continue to have an incredible impact on many around the world. For pediatric cancer awareness and even the bigger picture — living life to the fullest no matter how old or young you are.”

For more on the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation, visit www.superty.org.