IslandVibesIOP.com 22 If you’ve been out and about in recent days on the island, you’ve likely noticed the maroon ribbons that adorn many of the palm trees along Palm Boulevard. You may or may not be aware that this burgundy shade of ribbon represents multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. You might have seen these ribbons and perhaps did a quick Google search to learn about what they signify. What you might not know is the deeper meaning behind these ribbons and the location thereof. They represent cancer, yes, but also, they symbolize the love and support of a beautiful young man whose life was taken far too soon. What no one could possibly discern from such a meager investigation is the life and light and legacy of Isle of Palms resident Naish Kaloupek. PEOPLE & PETS ‘Tough as Naish’ Ribbons in remembrance of beloved Boy Scout, friend and son - Naish Kaloupek By Laura Fogarty Throughout his year-and-a-halflong fight, Naish battled valiantly. His mind remained sharp even as his body could not keep up. He remained a positive force throughout his ordeal and his family would like him to be remembered for this positivity. Naish loved being at the beach and enjoyed the outdoors. He was an athlete and an avid participant in tennis, golf, basketball, swim team and surfing. Naish had started sixth grade and was trying out for his middle school basketball team at the time of his diagnosis. He loved dogs, especially his yellow lab, Maggie. Even after his cancer diagnosis, Naish continued to be a viable part of his community. He thrived in honors classes at Moultrie Middle School, where he attended virtually. He was loved and supported by his Boy Scout Troop 20 of Mount Pleasant – rising to the rank of first class and later awarded Boy Scout of the Year by his council. Naish’s father Brad explained, “The treatments diminished his physical ability immensely, but he still persevered in a fashion that inspired many. He inspired those around him – the Wild Dunes Pickleball Association raised $50,000, which was given directly to MUSC Pediatric Oncology research. A team working in his honor raised $55,000 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation for cancer research. The staff at MUSC proudly wore his ‘Tough as Naish’ T-shirt. His Boy Scout troop adopted the same shirt as part of their uniform.” Brad continued, “We spoke of his battles as hills. As you climb a hill or paddle out in the waves, you cannot see what is next until you climb the hill or paddle over the wave you’re on. We climbed a lot of hills together. In my mind, he is still here today, ready to climb that next hill, perhaps with even a smile and that’s how I’d like to remember him. To know Naish was to love him. You loved his spirit, his bravery and tenacity and his clever sense of humor. He had wisdom beyond his years. He loved fishing, trading stocks, watching the evening news with his Nana and Pops, playing Risk with his family, hanging out with his cousins and he loved his dog Maggie just as much as she loved him. Naish loved a good game and was an avid (Minnesota) Timberwolves, Virginia Tech and (Washington) Commanders fan, many of which wave banners of maroon.” Scoutmaster Chad Neal, along with Boy Scout Troop 20, graciously shared their love and support of Naish and their remembrance of his life by not only the tying of ribbons but also by continuing to honor his legacy. Quite the legacy it is and most assuredly shall remain. Naish was an athlete and an avid participant in tennis, golf, basketball, swim team and surfing Photos Provided. Chad Neal, Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 20, pins a ribbon to a palm tree in honor of Naish. Heidi, Naish and Brad Kaloupek Naish learned how to surf at a young age Scoutmaster Chad Neal, firemen Brian Albrecht and Chris Fassos with Boy Scout Troop 20 assemble at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center.
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