What a great story and and amazing group of people!
Bug, whatever you may think of yourselves, many families that go through this kind of thing just completely fall to pieces. It takes courage, determination and a positive outlook to get through this. Most people may have one or two of these, but rarely all three. And to top it off, you both had amazing friends to help you through it. Especially Bearz and smalld. Not many young teenage boys would be willing to do almost whatever they had to do to help their friends. He is an amazing guy and will grow to be an amazing man alongside Slink. Bearz, not many people would reach through the internet and over the miles to help people that they don't really know. It is a testament to the kind of heart you have.
Hugs, prayers and pixie dust to you all!