Alex was born at St. Joseph Women’s Hospital on September 27, 2010 to his birth mother, Brandy Lewis and his father, Julio Fontanez II. Due to an accident in utero Alex was not expected to survive. Although Alex faced many difficulties he continued to thrive. His fighting spirit is incredible. Although he was completely dependent on others for his care, Alex met each day with great joy.
He began life with his paternal grandmother, Anita Ali on 04/09/2013. During the next few months Anita taught Alex how to eat pureed food and helped him find his voice through her visits to the nursing home. Anita was determined to bring Alex home to live with her. On July 06, 2013 she accomplished that goal. The rest of Alex’s life was spent with Anita. Whatever challenges came their way they faced them together.
Alex and family moved to Plant City in 2015. He began attending Willis Peters Exceptional Student Center. Alex loved going to school. His smile was infectious. He brightened the day of everyone he met. Alex loved attention. He did not have comprehensible words, but that did not mean he didn’t have anything to say. Alex loved being read to, watching cartoons, cuddling, kisses from Mama Anita, music, and people helping him move his hands to play with toys. Alex loved family outings to the movies, bowling, roller skating, parties and playgrounds. He enjoyed dressing up to go trick or treating each year.
Alex was granted his wish by Children’s Dream Fund to spend one week at Give Kids the World. He went to the Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure, and the Orlando Eye. Alex had a blast riding the rides and spending time with family. Give Kids the World provided block parties, rides, entertainment and many gifts. He was treated like a king for the whole week.
Alex is survived by his grandmother/mom, Anita Ali, Mark Rozados; his father, Julio and his wife, Sierra Fontanez; birth mother, Brandy Fontanez; brother, Julio “PJ”; uncle, Ajmal Ali Jr. and wife, Nichole; aunts, Danisia, Natalie Fontanez-Ortiz, and Avery Rozados; cousins, Gabriel, Jeremiah and Imani. He had a large extended family that will miss him very much.
The family will be doing the 5K Hope Run at Give Kids the World on Saturday, December 8, 2018 in memory of Alex. Please support Team “Alexander the Great” by visiting the link below:
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