Remembrance : ‘He Recognized His Spirit’s Power’

“Inside me, beneath the joy of being alive and the pain I endure from being alive, is my intuitive spirit. I will let it guide me down the path that is right for me.”

Four months ago, Amos Michael Consilvio wrote these lines about his battle with a resurgent cancer for The Times (Voices, July 11, Youth Opinion). On Nov. 16, he died at his home in Venice at the age of 21.

In the same article, he wrote, “Something gave way inside of me and I began focusing on getting the most out of my life by turning my physical limitations into limitless thinking.”

Consilvio surmounted incredible obstacles, filling even his last week with joyous activities: He visited Huntington Gardens and attended a Clippers game and a benefit for the family of comic Dennis Wolfberg, who died last month of cancer.

During his five-year struggle, Consilvio proudly recognized the power of his spirit and used it to create his own macrobiotic diet and philosophy.

He directed his health care throughout his illness, initially utilizing Western medicine and evolving into a focus on alternative health care. In his own words, “My doctor and I both knew what I’ve accomplished is pretty special.”

In several articles in the Santa Monica College newspaper, the Corsair, he touched both friends and strangers with his strength, wisdom and openness as he described his life’s journey. A young Japanese student at the college read one of the pieces and remarked: “Spirit will last forever. I guarantee you that even after 100 years many people will know Amos fought cancer bravely and moved a lot of people deeply. At least one tiny Japanese will never forget such a courageous man.”

Debrah Wiley and Ethel Gullette are friends of the Consilvio family. Donations may be made to the Amos Consilvio Cancer Healing Scholarship Fund in care of David Brisco at the nonprofit Vega Study Center, 1511 Robinson, Oroville, Calif., 95965.