Alexander John Podeszwa

June 23, 2000 – September 12, 2014

For God so loved the world, he gave us the gift of Alex.

On September 12, 2014, Alex, at the tender age of 14, flew to heaven. Today, the earth is a little dimmer. Alex courageously battled neuroblastoma for nine years.

Alex never lived life as sick kid or met a clique he could not break. He always reminded his friends that life was supposed to be fun and adventurous and they should be ever appreciative of others (especially their moms).

His mother, Ann, was his confidante, advocate and first-line teacher; his father, David, was his mentor and a great example of integrity and devotion. Alex was immensely proud of his role as big brother to Charlotte and Sophie - guiding them in the virtues (and mischievousness) of childhood.

Alex was an avid outdoorsman whether rafting, hiking, rock climbing in Colorado or kayaking on the BLUE waters of the Leelanau Peninsula. He was a double black diamond skier, snowboarder, artist, comedian, friend, big brother and aviator. Alex accumulated over 40 hours of flight time – the only obstacle between Alex and his solo was the minimum age of 16.

In his words “There is no cancer in the sky, Mom. All my problems are left on the ground.”

Loving child of Ann (nee Patton) and David Podeszwa, brother of Charlotte and Sophie. Grandson of Ruth and Patrick (deceased) Patton, Joan and Ted Podeszwa. Nephew of Patrick and Megan Patton, Edward and Anne Marie Patton, Molly and Mark Ferstel, Carol and Jim Pauly, Ellen and John Arsen, Sharon and Robert Bielski. Alex has twenty adoring cousins.

Ann, David, Charlotte and Sophie will receive visitors in honor of their son, brother and favorite pilot:

Thursday, September 18, 2014

3:00pm – 9:00pm

Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home

7405 Northwest Highway

Dallas, Texas 75225

214.363.5401

A celebration of “flight” will be held:

Friday, September 19, 2014

10:00am

Christ the King Church

8017 Preston Road

Dallas, Texas 75225

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly request donations be given in Alex’s honor to:

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (www.alexslemonade.org) or New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy, NANT Operations Center, CHLA, 4650 Sunset Blvd. #54, Los Angeles, CA 90027. The family remains committed to furthering the cause of neuroblastoma research and therapies for all children battling childhood cancer.