Meet Sebastian

Sebastian Gray Botirius was born on November 20, 2017. He was an easy-going and happy infant. When he was six months old, he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), which is extremely rare for an infant. Subsequent genetic testing showed the T1D was caused by a rare genetic disorder called LRBA Deficiency. This disease causes a number of fatal autoimmune diseases, and he was given a short life expectancy. In hopes of combating this prognosis, Sebastian received a bone marrow transplant (BMT) in May 2021, when he was three years old. While the transplant was initially successful and Sebastian was seeming to get better, complications began to arise. His family and medical team did everything they could for him. Devastatingly, Sebastian passed away on Monday, April 18, 2022, due to complications from the BMT, at the age of four.

When describing who Sebastian is, it is hard to lead with how Sebastian died, because Sebastian is so much more than a genetic disease or his death. He LIVED! Sebastian should be remembered and celebrated, not for the fact that he died so young, but that he lived and blessed the world with his presence for just over four years.

Sebastian was a force to be reckoned with. He lived most of his life under the umbrella of medications, doctors’ appointments, insulin pump changes, and more, and yet he thrived. He woke with a smile on his face and a plan for what he was going to play with or do each day. There were days where he would wake amid a long hospital stay and announce, “it’s going to be a good day!” The coming day would include rounds of medications and so many specialists coming by, and yet Sebastian was focused on the good things that would be happening – playing with his family, art therapy, iPad time, and getting to visit the hospital fish tanks.

Sebastian’s hope for the future was powerful. He had an ongoing list of things he wanted to do when he was healthy (his own words). This list included things like going to his favorite playgrounds, eating strawberries, and visiting the beach. Sebastian loved his stuffie Black Kitty, his big brother Jackson, dinosaurs, the color green, StoryBots and Octonauts, cuddling with his Mama and Daddy, and exploring his backyard.

Sebastian is a special, smart, lovable little boy who, in his short life, made the world a better place. He brought smiles everywhere he went and touched many lives. Sebastian is deeply loved by those around him. Though his life was brief, Sebastian’s memory lives on and Sebastian’s Playgrounds will help ensure the world doesn’t forget him.

*Main photograph of Sebastian is credited to Sarah Branaghan Photography*

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About Us

About Us

Sebastian’s Playgrounds was founded to honor Sebastian Botirius’ legacy of happiness and love so it can live on forever. We are dedicated to building inclusive, world-class playgrounds where children of all abilities can play together.

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our latest all-inclusive playground in Solon, Ohio. We want to dedicate the playground in honor of Sebastian and all the kids around the world who struggle with rare diseases.

But we aren’t done here. We have developed a model for fundraising and building playgrounds. That, along with a wide variety of partners (fundraising, financial, playground developers, etc.), will help us build inclusive playgrounds for children in additional cities.

Visit Sebastian's Playground

Sebastian’s Playground is a joyful, inclusive playground located in Solon Community Park, dedicated in loving memory of Sebastian Gray Botirius—a bright, adventurous young boy who treasured playtime and wished for a world where all kids could play together.

What Makes It Special?

  • Inclusive design: Features such as sensory play walls, adapted swings, a glider, rain‑sound wheel, music elements, and telescope are thoughtfully created for children of all abilities.
  • Vibrant themes: The green‑and‑orange color palette reflects Sebastian’s favorites, alongside dinosaur and musical elements he adored.
  • Community‑built: The Botirius family and over 1,400 friends raised over $125,000 for its construction—turning grief into a gift for thousands of families.

Why Visit?

Sebastian’s Playground isn’t just a place to play—it’s a legacy. It celebrates Sebastian’s spirit and belief that every child, regardless of ability, deserves a place to laugh, learn, and belong. “At Sebastian’s Playground, kids of all ages and abilities can laugh, play, and explore freely while parents relax and soak in the joy—just as Sebastian would have wanted. His spirit lives in every smile and every shared moment of happiness on this playground.

Watch the Grand Opening of Sebastian’s Playground

Location

Sebastian’s Playground

Solon Community Park

6679 SOM Center Road

Solon, OH 44139

 

Hours & Amenities

  • Open daily from dawn to dusk, free to the public.
  • Amenities include: nearby restrooms, shaded seating, picnic areas, and open lawns for families to relax and play.
  • Located in the Solon Community Park allowing for access to tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, safety town, ample parking and the (to be built) amphitheater and community room.

Share your Memories of Sebastian

Mallory

I will always remember Sebastian’s sweet, shy smile. It would light up his entire face! My favorite memory is when we went to get ice cream for dinner. Sebastian dove face first into his ice cream cone and we had to get a towel to clean him off afterwards. I think more made it on his body than in his mouth!

Nana

Sebastian is my grandson. He was such a sweet, funny, kind little boy. When I would walk into his house, he would come running to greet me, yelling “Nana, come play with me!” He would grab my hand and run with me to the playroom where he would have his cars or Paw Patrol set up and we would play. Sebastian loved playing my piano and it was usually his first stop when he came to my house. He was very creative at the piano, often using both hands and toes! He loved to read and one of my favorite memories is curling up to read with both Sebastian and his older brother Jackson. During one book that we read about no turtles in Antarctica, we were laughing so hard we could hardly finish the book. And then of course we had to read it over and over. I cherish the time that I had with him. He was such a special little boy and I miss him so very much.

Pavika

My fondest memory of Sebastian is at a karate field trip with SECPTA, even with all his struggles and pain he managed to keep up with all the kids while they ran laps around the gym. When he fell behind he never gave up, he was so happy to just be there. His perseverance and determination was truly inspirational to all.

Angie

Sebastian is our sweet and mighty neighbor, and thoughts of him make me smile. I have many fond memories of play at Sebastian and Jackson’s house. Sebastian was quick to share his toys, push Lenora in his ride-on car, offer her an applesauce pouch, and play with Lenora on his backyard playground. Sebastian is one of a kind, and we treasure the time we spent with him.

Aunt Becca

One of my favorite memories with Sebastian was teaching and reading with him about dinosaurs. He would always ask me what kind of dinosaur one of his toys was and sometimes I would search for the exact kind so that I could share with Sebastian something new. His face would light up with a huge smile when I told him and we would practice saying the names. I miss these little moments with Sebastian but I will always cherish my memories with him.

Emily

I’ll never forget working with Sebastian during one of his infusion appointments, and he expressed wanting a pet peacock. So of course in music therapy Sebastian and I wrote a song “I want a peacock” in hopes to persuade his mom and dad to get him one. It’s a song I’ll never forget, along with Sebastian’s creativity and playfulness.

Andrea

Sebastian’s smile and laugh would light up a room! He was always so excited to show me his new toys. I loved to share snacks I had for him at my house. I have such fond memories.
Share your own Memories of Sebastian