Zach Christopher Childs

Born to Chris and Angela Childs on January 3, 1996; Zach now joins his angels in heaven; grandfather Ruben M Jose', great-grandparents Fausto and Aurora Alegado, John and Ruth Bolin, and his great-uncle Fausto Alegado, Jr.

Zach is survived by his parents; brother, Joey; grandparents, Ron and Kaye Coleman of Salado, Texas; Don Childs of Alvin, Texas, Maria Jose' of Austin, Texas; loving relatives, Noel and Mina Jose' (Christopher, Michael), Don and Yvonne Childs (Caitlin, Emily), Jason and Jacqui Childs (Jonah, Jasper), Courtney and Frank Novelli (Trey, Madison) Houston, Texas; Uncle Tom and Aunt Pat Chodosh, and many other loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Zach taught us not to take anything for granted, and to live and to love fully. He was an amazing young man with a warrior's spirit. In 16 months he bravely endured 2 brain surgeries, 2 regiments of radiation and chemotherapy, and maintained an unfaltering sense of humor and positive attitude. His ability to face his illness as a battle to be fought and his determination to "beat this" was inspirational. He was a champ. He is our hero.

Zach loved life and lived it true to himself. He loved to laugh and to make people laugh in many unique ways. He had a contagious smile...and a poker face. He loved music and did not hesitate to sing or dance...anyplace, anytime. He grew up playing soccer, golfing with his dad, and other sports, but his greatest love was basketball. Zach loved time with his friends and especially his best bud for life, Christian Hernandez, whom along with his brother Fabian and mother Yoly Davila became his second family, and we will forever be linked through the love we share for Zach.

Our son was a loving and affectionate son, and he shall forever remain a blessing to us. Our sons shared a devoted love for each other. Joey's tender loving care for his little brother throughout his short life made us proudly smile. Our family time together was always quality time; we laughed hard and often, seemingly to savor every moment with Zach, unaware he would leave us too soon. Mere words cannot express the pain we feel without our Zach, but we feel sure he lived fully and that he had the time of his life. He will be forever young. His physical presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will live on in each of us.

Our deepest gratitude is for the godsend of physicians and staff who treated and cared for Zach, specifically Dr. Timothy George, along with Dr. Philip Neff, Dell Children's Medical Center, Dr. Stephen Brown, Dr. Shanna Reeves, Dr. Sarah Leggett, the Palliative Care Team, and Hospice of Austin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dell Children's Medical Center in memory of Zach.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday, August 12, 2011, at Weed-Corley-Fish, 2620 S. Congress. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Interment will follow at Live Oak Cemetery in Manchaca, Texas.