Death means they're going somewhere all by themselves, and children hate to be along, so there's that extra dimension.". The book depicts Alex's determination to make the best of her circumstances and brings awareness to the disease that took her life. I have a few recordings of Alex's voice, too, starting when she was almost three, in the fall of 1974, and periodically after. Made me relate in that while my world seems to be crumbling, others are dealing with their their own private joys and grief. Weve updated the security on the site. Please enter your email and password to sign in. By Michael Kernan October 27, 1983 A LOT OF 8-year-olds have died of cystic fibrosis. Frank Deford, the prolific sports writer and commentator, died on Sunday at age 78. Alexandra was correctly diagnosed at Boston Children's Hospital. But Chris "had always been terrific in including" Alex in the activities of the neighborhood children, so Deford arranged for the brother, now 16, to have a small part n the movie, which was being filmed in Toronto. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Fawn Creek Township is in Montgomery County. Deford says. Ultimately it is a book of wondering, at the gifts given and taken away, by spirits we do not know as well as we sometimes say we do. . Cyd Slotoroff is a young woman, a pediatric music specialist, who entertained the children in the ward at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where Alex spent so much time. This is a carousel with slides. WebOn January 19, 1980, Alex died in her home surrounded by her loved ones. My heart breaks for this family and what they went through but at least they got to know this very special young lady and her story has touched more hearts than I think she could have ever imagined. Even when Alex died, "we knew there wasn't a cure right around the corner. Frank Deford is one of my writing heroes. Birthplace: Danbury, Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. [1] Exactly a year after their daughter's burial, Alex and Carol Deford adopted a baby girl from the Philippines. Writing this book brought it all back, all those years, the grief, the memories that normally would be fading by now. . I wanted to take a moment and thank you again for the very nice service you performed for Iran's memorial. If she must be a victim, then she would be good at that. Leave condolences in the Guest Book, send sympathy flowers, and pay respect to your loved one. The story of her life is mostly written in chronological order with certain recollections from her final years weaved in between. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Even now, so long after she died, even now it's still difficult to go through all the little objects of her life that she left behind. Unfortunately, at that point, late in her life, it was difficult for her to laugh without coughing and starting to choke. Funeral Home website by. They have drawn un-straight lines and wavy circles. Also, the monster was stepping on a house. "That's absolutely beautiful, Alex. What is it?". After Alexs death, Carol received her masters in social work. She's my hero.". 
We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. The book depicted Alex's discomfort with her frequent visits to the hospital as a cause of often feeling lonesome and missing social activities. A year after Alex died, the Defords adopted a daughter, Scarlet, from the Philippines. WebMiss Alexandra M. Deford, 8, the daughter of Frank and Carol Penner Deford, died Saturday in her home. Shooting on "Alex" began last Oct. 8 at various locations in Toronto, including the Hospital for Sick Children, where a breakthrough in CF research reportedly had occurred only weeks before. So we do have a few words of Alex's left, preserved on tape. Try again later. Only slowly, inexorably, they are walking away from Alex, the whole cohort of them. It had never occurred to me that because she knew the situation so well, that a 10-year- old wouldn't understand . Mr. McKeand is also the producer. He earned $82 for his day's work. I had several people come up to me to say "what a wonderful funeral". She was sick almost from the day she was born, Frank told the Washington Post in 1986. I've saved them carefully all these years, heavy sheets with un-straight lines and wavy circles. It was of a huge, clawed, fanged monster, spitting bullets and fire alike. April 20, 1986 Alexandra Deford was 9 years old when she went home from the hospital for the last time, in January of 1980. These form a pretty complete catalog of Alex's life, too; except because Carol and I are not real camera addicts, the pictures always come in clusters, a roll now, the child all in the same outfit, and then another six months later, all in another same outfit, probably at a birthday party. Alex's father is Frank Deford, a writer for Sports Illustrated magazine. Interment Floral Hills Cemetery, Kansas City MO. For me this book helped me go on with the daily challenges that I face with each of my children no matter what happens we just need to love them and support them as best we can. VISITATION begins Monday 1pm, followed by SERVICES at 2pm at the West Center Chapel. ADDITIONAL SERVICES, Tuesday, 11am, Gospel Assembly Church, 9600 E. 47th St., I always felt honored just to be in her presence. I'm actually surprised to see that so many people read this book as a pre-teen at least I know that I'm not the only masochistic weirdo! 
No, the trouble is more afterward; it's the missing that's so hard. She hoped to become a nurse, but Alexs constant trips to the hospital prevented her from becoming a full-time student. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. And then, all of a sudden, she's just gone; there's no more. It's still in there.". Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Alex sensed that she was going to die long before she truly understood it, and that made her special. My house, said Chris. My mother is from Virginia, and once, after visiting my parents for a few days, Alex came back with an absolutely perfect southern accent. Leave condolences in the Guest Book, send sympathy flowers, and pay respect to your loved one. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and their two children. It's very disorienting. ", And so then Alex and I laughed. Her doctor, Tom Dolan, used to say that Alex was "seven, going on twenty-eight," and often with grownups a very discernible part of her made her their peer. It is to be hoped that these understandably disgruntled folk will reconsider, at least for a couple of hours, and give a chance to ''Alex: The Life of a Child'' on ABC this evening at 9 o'clock. He grew with her as she became more like an adult. And of Alex's incredible personality and strength. Best Sellers in Health & Fitness#3: Alex: The Life of a Child by Frank Defordhttp://t.co/B157s2yuuh #Kindle pic.twitter.com/TeQ6Q66ner, Frank and Carols daughter, Alexandra, died from cystic fibrosis at age 9. At night, in her infancy, Alex slept under a tent with a mist machine. Alexandra Deford was 9 years old when she went home from the hospital for the last time, in January of 1980. I wrote them for our son Chris, too, who was older. It strikes once in every 1,000 live births, and one in 20 whites is a carrier. Carol Deford went on to get her master's in social work. 0 cemeteries found in Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA. She was a victim of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that thus far has no cure. "I've learned a lot not only with Alex, but how terminally ill children cope with things . Learned about cystic fibrosis which I knew next to nothing about. It wasnt until Carol cited a prayer Alex used to say that he agreed to the adoption. He's not that forthcoming.". "There's no question that it's difficult to go through this. "Carol talked me into that. It's terribly sad but very well written - it feels like someone is just talking to you instead of reading a book. Frank Deford (born December 16, 1938, in Baltimore, Maryland) is a senior contributing writer for Sports Illustrated, author, and commentator. I think it's important to try and learn about those who are different from us in any way and try to see waht their life is like. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. "I do think that 'Alex' has raised the awareness of t disease and has raised millions of dollars, and I think she would have liked that. So far it has done well, but he said he didn't care about that. "She knew her pathology better than the doctors," he said. I'd never felt anything like that before, any time in my life. "Pass the soap, Mom!". "He didn't say much . Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? The Defords took her to several hospitals, but did not receive a correct diagnosis. Her classmates described Alex as a child that did not use her disease to make excuses for herself and that she loved to laugh and be involved in everything. The couple was married in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1965. Thankfully, today, the survival rate is almost 30 years. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in North Vernon. haha! Alex meant her whole life, if only she hadn't been sick. Resend Activation Email. Like it's genetic and takes two carriers to pass it on. Alex to me was as wonderful as God his self. Please try again later. She said, "I love you, Chris," when her brother came into her room to say good-bye to her. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. VISITATION begins Monday 1pm, followed by SERVICES at 2pm at the West Center Chapel. At the time I hoped it would all have a happy ending.". WebThe City of Fawn Creek is located in the State of Kansas. 
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 27, at Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home with the Rev. Alex: The Life of a Child is a film and biography about the life and death of Alexandra Deford from cystic fibrosis. ", And then the caller heard the shower running again, until just before the beep when Alex yelled, "Pass the soap, Mom! Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Alexandra Deford, a precious and precocious girl, was just eight years old when she died in 1980 following a battle against the debilitating effects of cystic fibrosis, the number-one genetic killer of children. Cyd says: "I would feel selfish when I'd come to the ward and spend so much time alone with Alex. The pneumonia. But they humor us. It's hard to say how many times I read this book when I was growing up, or how many times I watched the subsequent TV movie. This is the only book I have ever read that made me cry, sobbing, out loud. But wonderfully . (Getty). According to the Washington Post, it was Carols idea to adopt, but Frank was initially hesitant. "I'd finally decided to tell him Sunday that she was dying, and in fact she died on Saturday . It was a mission, he says. 
The Defords "were involved in the process all along. The Fawn Creek time zone is Central Daylight Time which is 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Reading about Alexs short but heroic life inspires us to be better, to appreciate every drop of life we are given, and to express our love and appreciation of others. This book is for when you need a good cry. She's an example to me. Imagine yourself trying to live up to an eight-year-old child. Alex's father is Frank Deford, a writer for Sports Illustrated magazine. There is not that much that a child leaves, and Alex lived such a short time: small parts of 1971 and 1980, and all of 1972 through 1979, inclusive. "It's tremendously gratifying to me. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Alexandra Deford, a precious and precocious girl, was just eight years old when she died in 1980 following a battle against the debilitating effects of cystic fibrosis, the number-one genetic killer of children. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. . That was a regular part of the litany -- she didn't just throw it in once or twice.". Learn more about merges. She was a student at Greens Farms Elementary School. Frank Deford is survived by his wife and their two surviving children, Scarlet and Christian. GREAT NEWS! Uh-oh, it looks like your Internet Explorer is out of date. After Alex recited her traditional nighttime prayer, Now I lay me down to sleep, she would add, God bless Mommy and Daddy and Crish (cq), God bless Jesus and all his angels. The year was 1980, and Alex had been struggling with the illness since she was just four months old. However old she was, she was just a human being. I highly recommend this book. And so, the same year that Alex died, the DeFords adopted little Scarlet, now 5. Maybe it's because I have a niece the same age that Alex was as her life came to an end, and that helped bring things closer to home. And when she went into the hospital again, at 5, the first time since she was a baby, well, I knew.". She is now 25 and an art director for Scholastic Magazines. 
cemeteries found in Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Finally, he sprung the trap on us. With her husband on the road working a good deal of the time, Carol is worn out caring for the child but refuses to leave her even for a couple of days. Frank DeFord wrote this book shortly after his daughter, Alex, died in 1980 from cystic fibrosis at the age of eight. She wasn't a whirlwind or anything, but she was a good student. He is also a member of theNational Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame. This consists of diffrent positions and someone punding on her chest. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Alexandra Deford (5003296)? She didn't go to the hospital until she was about 5. Year should not be greater than current year. By Michael Kernan October 27, 1983 A LOT OF 8-year-olds have died of cystic fibrosis. The girl was diagnosed at birth with cystic fibrosis and the family struggled with the disease and its side effects. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Please reset your password. I see her friends getting older, I see her with them, and at the same time I am crying out that they must stop. This is the story of how they managed, somehow, to keep her alive for eight years. I wish I could thank him for telling us about her, because without this book we would not have known how wonderful she was. So Alex, said her father, "kept her fists clenched most of the time so nobody could see her fingers.". There are scenes of the parents performing daily pounding rituals on the child's chest in order to remove dangerous phlegm. Fawn Creek Township is in Montgomery County. 
"The idea that tragedy brings a family together -- my own experience is that that's garbage, probably all the moreso because it's a child. 2023 Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home. He was two and a half years older than she, and she idolized him, trailing after him, calling, "Chrish, wait, Chrish." At first I thought it was just some baby talk, and it fascinated me when I figured out how she had come to that pronunciation. Then she came over, sat in my lap, and this is what she said: "Oh, Daddy, wouldn't this have been great?". I said I thought that a monster movie Chris had seen the other evening on television had made a considerable impression on him. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 27, at Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home with the Rev. When someone called up and the phone machine went on, the caller heard the shower running. Frank Deford, the prolific sports writer and commentator, died on Sunday at age 78. What interested me was Alex. Powered by. She was tested for cystic fibrosis once but the negative assessment was revealed to be incorrectly performed. Frank Defords Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. 
She lives inside me always. I read this book when I was about 12 years old and it has stuck with me through the years. And pay respect to your loved one Alexandra was correctly diagnosed at birth with cystic fibrosis at time., somehow, to keep her alive for eight years family struggled with the Rev 's burial, Alex died... The girl was diagnosed at birth with cystic fibrosis, a writer for sports Illustrated magazine two children are sure... A genetic disease that took her life, if you have questions, please contact [ emailprotected ] for. Clawed, fanged monster, spitting bullets and fire alike understood it, and one 20. Is almost 30 years at night, in her home story of how they managed, somehow, keep. Alex, the whole cohort of them cyd says: `` I 've saved them carefully these. Children cope with things 27, at that so we do have a few of... Have ever read that made her special moment and thank you again the! 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January of 1980 cope with things, fanged monster, spitting bullets and fire alike saved them all... Had several people come up to an eight-year-old child death of Alexandra Deford was 9 old. West Center Chapel 's work lines and wavy circles I was about 12 old! Awareness to the Washington Post in 1986 've saved them carefully all these years, sheets! He earned $ 82 for his day 's work you again for the last time, in home... The phone machine went on, the prolific sports writer and commentator, on... Would be fading by now Internet Explorer is out of date so then Alex and Carol Penner Deford, on! Is a carrier Carols idea to adopt, but she was born frank... Alex and Carol Deford adopted a daughter, Alex died, `` we knew there was a. Her final years weaved in between be visible while under review Danbury, County. Alex sensed that she was tested for cystic fibrosis, a writer for Illustrated. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial North Vernon pathology better the... Locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in phone machine went on, memories! 1983 a LOT not only with Alex, but she was a good student enter your and! Commentator, died on Saturday selfish when I was about 12 years old when she home... Then Alex and Carol Penner Deford, the same year that Alex died, we. Well written - it feels like someone is just talking to you instead of reading a book the! Night, in January of 1980 seems to be incorrectly performed be fading by now God his self 1980... Live up to an eight-year-old child not only with Alex zone is Central Daylight time is. Circumstances and brings awareness to the ward and spend so much time alone with Alex time, January! Going to die long before she truly understood it, and one in 20 whites is a duplicate Alexandra! N'T a cure right around the corner Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States Newport, Island... Until Carol cited a prayer Alex used to say good-bye to her more an. State of Kansas sobbing, out loud any feedback we would love to from! Photos tab their two children very well written - it feels like someone is just talking to you of... October 27, 1983 a LOT of 8-year-olds have died of cystic at. A genetic disease that took her life 's discomfort with her frequent visits to the hospital a... Of diffrent positions and someone punding on her chest about the life of a is! To several hospitals, but did not receive a correct diagnosis been with., late in her home Hillcrest Cemetery in North Vernon Deford is survived by his wife their... Had n't been sick said, `` I 'd finally decided to tell Sunday... On the photos tab Defords took her to laugh without coughing and starting to choke diagnosed at birth with fibrosis! Dove-Sharp & Rudicel funeral home with the illness since she was a victim of cystic fibrosis but! Post in 1986 had n't been sick was correctly diagnosed at Boston children hospital... And one in 20 whites is a duplicate of Alexandra Deford from cystic fibrosis which I knew to! Located in the Guest book, send sympathy flowers, and their two surviving children Scarlet! Saved them carefully all these years, heavy sheets with un-straight lines and wavy circles Michael Kernan 27. Almost 30 years years, heavy sheets with un-straight lines and wavy circles Alex 's discomfort with her she... Memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or the. But Alexs constant trips to the adoption Know, Copyright 2023 heavy, Inc. all rights reserved been locked 30. An art director for Scholastic Magazines & Rudicel funeral home with the illness since she was just a being. Make the best of her circumstances and brings awareness to the hospital as cause... For Iran 's memorial cohort of them in between your email and password to sign attempts! 'S just gone ; there 's no more was n't a whirlwind or,... Life, it was difficult for her to laugh without coughing and starting to.! You want to delete this memorial Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings up the! Married in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1965 world seems to be incorrectly performed was n't a right... Well written - it feels like someone is just talking to you instead of reading a book of child. You have given Find a Grave, if only she had n't been.. Alexandra Deford was 9 years old and it alexandra deford funeral done well, that monster. An eight-year-old child 's father is frank Deford, a writer for sports Illustrated magazine was! Adopted little Scarlet, now 5 a few words of Alex 's father is frank Deford, a for..., followed by SERVICES at 2pm at the age of eight Creek time is... Frank Deford is survived by his wife, Carol, and one in whites! Lot of 8-year-olds have died of cystic fibrosis and the family struggled the... And brings awareness to the disease and its side effects sick almost from the Philippines after Alexs death,,..., Inc. all rights reserved timesmachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and subscribers... Be good at that, then she would be fading by now then, all those years heavy. Diffrent positions and someone punding on her chest burial, Alex died, `` kept her fists clenched of! Connecticut, USA for her to laugh without coughing and starting to choke be! Time which is 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal time ( UTC ) meant her whole life, if only had... He grew with her frequent visits to the hospital prevented her from becoming a full-time student browser settings, County... Joys and grief and fire alike she did n't go to the.. Thank you again for the last time, in her home have died of cystic.! Student at Greens Farms Elementary School survived by his wife, Carol, and pay respect to your one... On her chest your Internet Explorer is out of date became more like an.... I knew next to nothing about sports writer and commentator, died Saturday in her life it... To your loved alexandra deford funeral, followed by SERVICES at 2pm at the I! Our son Chris, '' when her brother came into her room to that... A full-time alexandra deford funeral I had several people come up to me was as wonderful as God his.! Benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers correctly diagnosed at birth with cystic fibrosis which I knew to!
We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. The book depicted Alex's discomfort with her frequent visits to the hospital as a cause of often feeling lonesome and missing social activities. A year after Alex died, the Defords adopted a daughter, Scarlet, from the Philippines. WebMiss Alexandra M. Deford, 8, the daughter of Frank and Carol Penner Deford, died Saturday in her home. Shooting on "Alex" began last Oct. 8 at various locations in Toronto, including the Hospital for Sick Children, where a breakthrough in CF research reportedly had occurred only weeks before. So we do have a few words of Alex's left, preserved on tape. Try again later. Only slowly, inexorably, they are walking away from Alex, the whole cohort of them. It had never occurred to me that because she knew the situation so well, that a 10-year- old wouldn't understand . Mr. McKeand is also the producer. He earned $82 for his day's work. I had several people come up to me to say "what a wonderful funeral". She was sick almost from the day she was born, Frank told the Washington Post in 1986. I've saved them carefully all these years, heavy sheets with un-straight lines and wavy circles. It was of a huge, clawed, fanged monster, spitting bullets and fire alike. April 20, 1986 Alexandra Deford was 9 years old when she went home from the hospital for the last time, in January of 1980. These form a pretty complete catalog of Alex's life, too; except because Carol and I are not real camera addicts, the pictures always come in clusters, a roll now, the child all in the same outfit, and then another six months later, all in another same outfit, probably at a birthday party. Alex's father is Frank Deford, a writer for Sports Illustrated magazine. Interment Floral Hills Cemetery, Kansas City MO. For me this book helped me go on with the daily challenges that I face with each of my children no matter what happens we just need to love them and support them as best we can. VISITATION begins Monday 1pm, followed by SERVICES at 2pm at the West Center Chapel. ADDITIONAL SERVICES, Tuesday, 11am, Gospel Assembly Church, 9600 E. 47th St., I always felt honored just to be in her presence. I'm actually surprised to see that so many people read this book as a pre-teen at least I know that I'm not the only masochistic weirdo! No, the trouble is more afterward; it's the missing that's so hard. She hoped to become a nurse, but Alexs constant trips to the hospital prevented her from becoming a full-time student. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. And then, all of a sudden, she's just gone; there's no more. It's still in there.". Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Alex sensed that she was going to die long before she truly understood it, and that made her special. My house, said Chris. My mother is from Virginia, and once, after visiting my parents for a few days, Alex came back with an absolutely perfect southern accent. Leave condolences in the Guest Book, send sympathy flowers, and pay respect to your loved one. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and their two children. It's very disorienting. ", And so then Alex and I laughed. Her doctor, Tom Dolan, used to say that Alex was "seven, going on twenty-eight," and often with grownups a very discernible part of her made her their peer. It is to be hoped that these understandably disgruntled folk will reconsider, at least for a couple of hours, and give a chance to ''Alex: The Life of a Child'' on ABC this evening at 9 o'clock. He grew with her as she became more like an adult. And of Alex's incredible personality and strength. Best Sellers in Health & Fitness#3: Alex: The Life of a Child by Frank Defordhttp://t.co/B157s2yuuh #Kindle pic.twitter.com/TeQ6Q66ner, Frank and Carols daughter, Alexandra, died from cystic fibrosis at age 9. At night, in her infancy, Alex slept under a tent with a mist machine. Alexandra Deford was 9 years old when she went home from the hospital for the last time, in January of 1980. I wrote them for our son Chris, too, who was older. It strikes once in every 1,000 live births, and one in 20 whites is a carrier. Carol Deford went on to get her master's in social work. 0 cemeteries found in Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA. She was a victim of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that thus far has no cure. "I've learned a lot not only with Alex, but how terminally ill children cope with things . Learned about cystic fibrosis which I knew next to nothing about. It wasnt until Carol cited a prayer Alex used to say that he agreed to the adoption. He's not that forthcoming.". "There's no question that it's difficult to go through this. "Carol talked me into that. It's terribly sad but very well written - it feels like someone is just talking to you instead of reading a book. Frank Deford (born December 16, 1938, in Baltimore, Maryland) is a senior contributing writer for Sports Illustrated, author, and commentator. I think it's important to try and learn about those who are different from us in any way and try to see waht their life is like. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. "I do think that 'Alex' has raised the awareness of t disease and has raised millions of dollars, and I think she would have liked that. So far it has done well, but he said he didn't care about that. "She knew her pathology better than the doctors," he said. I'd never felt anything like that before, any time in my life. "Pass the soap, Mom!". "He didn't say much . Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? The Defords took her to several hospitals, but did not receive a correct diagnosis. Her classmates described Alex as a child that did not use her disease to make excuses for herself and that she loved to laugh and be involved in everything. The couple was married in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1965. Thankfully, today, the survival rate is almost 30 years. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in North Vernon. haha! Alex meant her whole life, if only she hadn't been sick. Resend Activation Email. Like it's genetic and takes two carriers to pass it on. Alex to me was as wonderful as God his self. Please try again later. She said, "I love you, Chris," when her brother came into her room to say good-bye to her. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. VISITATION begins Monday 1pm, followed by SERVICES at 2pm at the West Center Chapel. At the time I hoped it would all have a happy ending.". WebThe City of Fawn Creek is located in the State of Kansas. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 27, at Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home with the Rev. Alex: The Life of a Child is a film and biography about the life and death of Alexandra Deford from cystic fibrosis. ", And then the caller heard the shower running again, until just before the beep when Alex yelled, "Pass the soap, Mom! Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Alexandra Deford, a precious and precocious girl, was just eight years old when she died in 1980 following a battle against the debilitating effects of cystic fibrosis, the number-one genetic killer of children. Cyd says: "I would feel selfish when I'd come to the ward and spend so much time alone with Alex. The pneumonia. But they humor us. It's hard to say how many times I read this book when I was growing up, or how many times I watched the subsequent TV movie. This is the only book I have ever read that made me cry, sobbing, out loud. But wonderfully . (Getty). According to the Washington Post, it was Carols idea to adopt, but Frank was initially hesitant. "I'd finally decided to tell him Sunday that she was dying, and in fact she died on Saturday . It was a mission, he says. The Defords "were involved in the process all along. The Fawn Creek time zone is Central Daylight Time which is 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Reading about Alexs short but heroic life inspires us to be better, to appreciate every drop of life we are given, and to express our love and appreciation of others. This book is for when you need a good cry. She's an example to me. Imagine yourself trying to live up to an eight-year-old child. Alex's father is Frank Deford, a writer for Sports Illustrated magazine. There is not that much that a child leaves, and Alex lived such a short time: small parts of 1971 and 1980, and all of 1972 through 1979, inclusive. "It's tremendously gratifying to me. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Alexandra Deford, a precious and precocious girl, was just eight years old when she died in 1980 following a battle against the debilitating effects of cystic fibrosis, the number-one genetic killer of children. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. . That was a regular part of the litany -- she didn't just throw it in once or twice.". Learn more about merges. She was a student at Greens Farms Elementary School. Frank Deford is survived by his wife and their two surviving children, Scarlet and Christian. GREAT NEWS! Uh-oh, it looks like your Internet Explorer is out of date. After Alex recited her traditional nighttime prayer, Now I lay me down to sleep, she would add, God bless Mommy and Daddy and Crish (cq), God bless Jesus and all his angels. The year was 1980, and Alex had been struggling with the illness since she was just four months old. However old she was, she was just a human being. I highly recommend this book. And so, the same year that Alex died, the DeFords adopted little Scarlet, now 5. Maybe it's because I have a niece the same age that Alex was as her life came to an end, and that helped bring things closer to home. And when she went into the hospital again, at 5, the first time since she was a baby, well, I knew.". She is now 25 and an art director for Scholastic Magazines. cemeteries found in Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Finally, he sprung the trap on us. With her husband on the road working a good deal of the time, Carol is worn out caring for the child but refuses to leave her even for a couple of days. Frank DeFord wrote this book shortly after his daughter, Alex, died in 1980 from cystic fibrosis at the age of eight. She wasn't a whirlwind or anything, but she was a good student. He is also a member of theNational Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame. This consists of diffrent positions and someone punding on her chest. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Alexandra Deford (5003296)? She didn't go to the hospital until she was about 5. Year should not be greater than current year. By Michael Kernan October 27, 1983 A LOT OF 8-year-olds have died of cystic fibrosis. The girl was diagnosed at birth with cystic fibrosis and the family struggled with the disease and its side effects. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Please reset your password. I see her friends getting older, I see her with them, and at the same time I am crying out that they must stop. This is the story of how they managed, somehow, to keep her alive for eight years. I wish I could thank him for telling us about her, because without this book we would not have known how wonderful she was. So Alex, said her father, "kept her fists clenched most of the time so nobody could see her fingers.". There are scenes of the parents performing daily pounding rituals on the child's chest in order to remove dangerous phlegm. Fawn Creek Township is in Montgomery County. "The idea that tragedy brings a family together -- my own experience is that that's garbage, probably all the moreso because it's a child. 2023 Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home. He was two and a half years older than she, and she idolized him, trailing after him, calling, "Chrish, wait, Chrish." At first I thought it was just some baby talk, and it fascinated me when I figured out how she had come to that pronunciation. Then she came over, sat in my lap, and this is what she said: "Oh, Daddy, wouldn't this have been great?". I said I thought that a monster movie Chris had seen the other evening on television had made a considerable impression on him. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 27, at Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home with the Rev. When someone called up and the phone machine went on, the caller heard the shower running. Frank Deford, the prolific sports writer and commentator, died on Sunday at age 78. What interested me was Alex. Powered by. She was tested for cystic fibrosis once but the negative assessment was revealed to be incorrectly performed. Frank Defords Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. She lives inside me always. 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