Joel Byrne LGS Fund
The Joel Byrne Let Goodness Shine (LGS) Fund is dedicated to strengthening the values of faith, charity, courage, and dedication.
These are the virtues that Joel Byrne believed in and, more importantly, lived in his short but truly remarkable life. Joel, 15, died in his sleep from causes unknow, but became a beacon of light to inspire family, friends, and classmates to become truly alive in goodness and love.
Joel was on the cusp of a beautiful life, having displayed great talents in academics, athletics, and leadership. But it was cut short when, on February 4, 2023, Monica, his mother, thinking she was awakening a sleeping son, discovered that he had left behind his family and friends.
His death inspired hundreds and hundreds to testify to his extraordinary goodness when crowds, literally crowds, of people showed up to pay their respects. Every seat in the large St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax, Virginia, leaving standing room only, to mourn, but also to celebrate his life. Memorials sprang to life in his high school. Flowers and notes of love from classmates decorate the school’s entrance and fence. “Fly high, Joel,” they said. Teachers recalled Joel’s good heart.
Who was this young man to inspire such grief and admiration? Each mourner, it seemed, had his own inspirational story.
Here’s one: Joel read the bible every day; at his home before going to bed and at school. Sitting in the hallway or locker room in a public high school. With neither pride nor shame. What 15-year-old does that?
His heart was with the awkward, excluded classmates and outsiders. He never wanted to leave anyone behind. He wanted to bring everyone along, A football teammate—not the best athlete or most popular—recalled how Joel befriended him.
“I really just wanted to say that there was a long period of time where I really doubted myself and Joel was nothing but encouraging. It was extremely difficult not to love Joel and that’s something that I believe everyone who knew him can confirm. He was the goofiest, most lovable, genuine friend in my life. It hurts losing him.”
An explanation came from his parish priest: “He saw the Lord in everyone.” Joel knew who he was, the priest, Father Keith Cummings, said at the funeral mass. “He knew who he was in the eyes of Christ.” Joel was a fully living person.
He was determined to do his best, whether in academics, athletics, or friendship. First to arrive and last to leave the practice field. He didn’t sulk if he messed up on the field; he asked the coach how to do better. He encouraged his teammates. Took pride in them.
To his classmates, he was a goofy, friendly, and caring leader. He wasn’t obsessed with hanging out with the “popular group.” Even though he was popular. He was well known and admired in his small, historic town of Clifton, Virginia. He collected bottles for recycling. On walks, he would pick up litter he encountered.
Faith, charity, courage, and dedication were the hallmarks of Joel’s life.
So, the question is, Why? Why did God take him from us?
Perhaps the answer is in one word: Inspiration. Time and again, his family and friends talked about how they’ve been affected by Joel’s example. “If only we could be like Joel,” said a friend. His legacy: Have faith in God. Have the courage to make that faith real. Be dedicated to living a full and true life under God.
The hundreds of people who honored Joel with their presence at Joel’s services knew this of him, and not a few vowed to follow his example.
So, let his goodness shine. That is the purpose of the Joel Byrne Foundation. Help us to return to a society that reflects his values. Let his values overcome the “Me”.
Join us, to help fund those individuals and institutions that are dedicated to this journey. They might be churches or schools. They might be civic, cultural, or social organizations. They might be someone who, surrounded by people of selfish values, stands alone, fighting to radiate Joel’s light into the heart of darkness.
Let goodness shine.