From a young age, Axel had always been a social butterfly; making friends everywhere he went. He loved playing soccer, participating in taekwondo classes and playing with nerf guns outside with his friends. He then began to have pain in one of his knees. After going to see his pediatrician to get it checked out, and thanks to her fast action and dedication, he was able to get properly diagnosed at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver.
At 10 years old on March 2015, he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma.
When he was told he had cancer, his first response was asking when he would get started on treatment. He took on an incredibly brave attitude towards the situation.
Beginning his treatment wasn’t easy, for him or the family. His mom stayed full weeks at the hospital with him as he got chemotherapy. It was challenging to say the least, but the stay made it easier with all the amazing nurses he had caring for him. At the hospital, he had plenty of time to play his favorite video games, which were the Zelda games, Overwatch and Minecraft.
After receiving multiple radiation treatments, MRI scans, CAT scans, physical therapy and more, the cancer had led his doctors to amputate his left leg in October 2016. Hearing this news was devastating to say the least, but when his mom told him what they’d have to do, determined to fully get rid of the tumors he said, “if this is going to get rid of the cancer, let’s do it.” Speechless, everyone was surprised by the incredibly brave boy who sat in the room.
He later got to see his favorite YouTuber, Markiplier, thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation. Markiplier had brought a large amount of joy to Axel that day – he dressed up as a doctor to greet him, played video games, and even uploaded a video of him to his channel.
After believing the treatments and chemotherapies were over, the cancer came back more aggressively. Unfortunately, just a few months later Axel passed away in March of 2017. His memories and soul still live on with his family and friends who always talk about him. His presence always lingers, and his heart always shines within us.
