Alex

My beloved grandson, Alex, passed away on June 16. His general congenital myopathy (muscle disease) had extended to include his heart, and he spent the last week in the pediatric ICU as his heart failed. After several episodes of cardiac arrest and being revived, they had to let him go. He died peacefully in the arms of his parents, Michele & Elias, on Saturday, with his aunt Meadow close by.

Alex had turned two on May 4. Despite the limitations of the vent machine to help him breathe, he did have lots of adventures in his short life-- not long ago, he went to 'Children's Hospital Day'; an invitation only event at the Pittsburgh zoo, and got to actually pet some of the more pettable critters. In his special stroller, he did a charity walk with his parents. He went to a wedding in Boston, and a great-great-aunt's 90th birthday party. Santa Claus scared him, but he loved all things about animals, the Wiggles and the Backyardigans. He loved to roar like a lion, and he blew kisses to indicate that he was especially pleased.

He was such a brave, bright soul.

The loss is shattering and unimaginable. We cling to each other, and hold on. We'll get through.

Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Especially, pray for Elias and Michele.

And, pray for Alex's Aunt Meadow, who would even wear a stuffed blue puppy as a hat if it pleased Alex...

Contributions in Alex's name can be made to the Children's Hospital Foundation, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213