Photo: Nupolu GoFundMe
(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- A 15-year-old boy from Cedar Rapids is dead after contracting Malaria.
Shawn Nupolu visited family in Liberia this month for the first time in 8 years. Following his return, Shawn fell ill, and was taken to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.
A GoFundMe is open to help the family of the Roosevelt Middle Schooler, where people can donate to help with hospital bills and other costs. The Metro Youth Football Association also has a Shawn Nupolu Memorial Donation page.
Metro Youth Football Association describes Shawn as the following:
"Shawn was born in Liberia in August 2008 and moved to the US with his family. He was an 8th-grade student at Roosevelt Middle School and had plans to attend Jefferson High School. Shawn was a talented multi-sport athlete with a particular passion for soccer and football. He earned the nickname 'cheetah' because he was always the fastest kid on the field. He had several siblings and a large extended family in Cedar Rapids. Shawn's coaches and teammates remember him as a kind, compassionate, appreciative, humble, hardworking, and fun person to be around."
"We ask that you remember Shawn and his family in your thoughts and prayers. We also encourage you to consider making a donation to support Shawn's family during this difficult time as they cope with the expenses of hospital bills and other related costs. Any contribution, no matter how small."