Bailey Bennett managed to find the strength to blow out a candle on his 10th birthday, despite the cancer that had left his body extremely weak and bedridden.

His mother, Stefanie, said everyone at the party planned to blow out the candle at the same time because no one expected Bailey would have the ability to do so.

So when they sang happy birthday and leaned over the Minecraft-themed cake — from his favorite video game — they got one last reminder why many people called him “Bailey Strong.”

“He lifted his little head up and pushed out some air, so he helped us blow out that candle,” Stefanie said. “It was amazing.”

Bailey’s birthday was on Sunday, June 5, at his home in Howard Township. He died peacefully there two days later surrounded by the family that had been by his side since he was diagnosed with brain cancer at 5 years old.

Stefanie said her son’s condition took a turn for the worse about six months ago when he began having seizures. At that point, she said they knew Bailey’s body could not handle any more treatment.

Stefanie said she takes comfort in him having one more birthday.

“Even though it wasn’t the party he really wanted I think he waited around to be 10, for us and himself,” she said. “Ten is a big deal for kids. It is double digits.”

Bailey, who would have been a third-grader at Howard Elementary School in Niles, loved to dance, sing and play baseball, according to family.

Stefanie said her son would dance to the “Just Dance” video game whenever people came to visit. He was also quick to tell a joke, she said — a reminder of his fun-loving nature.

“He is dancing right now, running around and playing,” Stefanie said. “That is better than what we had to watch the last six months. And like my dad said, now it is time to use his strength and be ‘Bailey Strong’ to get through this. He left that with us so we will be able to.”

The family is inviting everyone to attend a dance party in Bailey’s memory beginning at 4 p.m. June 18, at the Morris Farms Fire Department.

Stefanie said they would use Bailey’s music playlist and show videos of Bailey dancing. She hopes to turn it into an annual celebration of Bailey’s life.

“No matter what was going on he would crack and joke and make you smile, and that’s why I will continue to laugh and smile because I can hear him laugh with me,” she said. “That’s what I want people to remember, his smile and his dance moves because that’s what he would want. He didn’t want to be remembered as the cancer kid.”

Help the cause

The Bennett family is collecting toys and toiletry items that will be donated the patients and families at Memorial Children’s Hospital in South Bend.

Toys can be dropped off at Shelton’s Farm Market, Olfactory Hue Bistro and Luminous Hair Spa.

Stefanie said the items would be given to young patients and their siblings. The idea came from a similar toy box program Bailey benefited from while receiving treatment at Bronson Hospital. Stefanie expanded the program by giving toys to the patients of siblings at the hospital.

Those wishing to make a donation to the family may do so at www.YouCaring.com/BaileyBennett. The funds raised will be used to cover expenses and continue the toy box at Bronson.