In the words of Alex, Cancer sucks! Alexander Karel Vlach passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2006 and was reunited in Heaven with his mother Jean Taylor, his 2 grandfathers Karel Vlach, Robert Taylor, his uncles Bob Taylor and Alam Farghaly. Alex's spirit, love, laughter courage and zest for life will forever remain an integral part of so many families including Karel, Jennifer and Lara Vlach, Mike, Sherry, Allen, Michelle and Mark Lukas, Peter and Lili Rechnitzer, Bea Taylor and George Mackie, Al Krische. Alex is loved by all his aunts, uncles and their children; Eric and Tiana Vlach, Michael and Holli Vlach, Munca Farghaly, Hani Farghaly, Barbara and Ron Martin, Casper and Anna Koevoets, Jim and Wendy Taylor, Deb Taylor, Chuck Taylor, Kelly and David Keith, Mike and Liz Krische, and John Krische. Alex will forever remain in the heart of his girlfriend Sarah Tew and his best friend Lee Goneau. Alex was inspired, motivated and supported by; Central Highschool, all the students and teachers, especially John Vouvalidis, Phil Harris, Martine Bracey Hoffman and Sharon Young Kipp. Thank you for celebrating Alex's achievments by awarding him the Ernie McTavish award and later developing the Alex Vlach award, The Make a Wish Foundation, Lori Quick who is so wonderful and made Alex feel super special, Camp Trillium for allowing Alex to use his life experiences for the good of other children and their families, Pediatric Medical Day Unit, Dr. Michael Leaker, Barb Dagelman, Cathy Wilson, Todd Wharton and Danielle Cautidella. Your smiling faces and unwavering support gave Alex strength and vitality. Special thanks go to V.O.N., especially Joy Reuben whose dedication and kindness to Alex was simply wonderful. Thank you Dr. Gil Schreier and all the nurses in palliative care, 6th floor, Victoria Hospital. Who says you cannot depend on the kindness of strangers? You are all exceptional people. Please join us at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Monday, April 24th from 2-4 and 7-9 o'clock. At Alex's request, please perk up your black with colour, colour, colour. The funeral service will be held at New Hope Community Church, 4009 Colonel Talbot Road, Lambeth on Tuesday, April 25th at 2 o'clock. Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Make a Wish Foundation.
VLACH remembered for spirit, courage
By Jane SIMS, Free Press Reporter, Mon., April 24, 2006
VLACH: The Central secondary grad and athlete died Saturday at age 19 of cancer.
In his short, extraordinary life, Alex VLACH taught everyone around him about living life with dignity. With determination. With grace.
Cancer was his only enemy. In the end, even VLACH's unequalled drive to win was no match for the deadly disease.
VLACH, a Central secondary school graduate and athlete who inspired his school to reach out to others, died on Saturday at age 19.
He leaves behind a community of family and Friends in awe of his courageous journey and his unbreakable spirit despite the odds.
"He's a hero to a lot of people," said teacher and football coach John VOUVALIDIS.
"He showed us all what amazing things can be accomplished with strength of spirit and hope," said teacher Martine Bracey HOFFMAN.
In Grade 10, VLACH lost his mom to cancer. Within a year, he was diagnosed with a rare abdominal form of the disease.
When he was 16, after 42 chemotherapy treatments and 12 radiation treatments, he found an insight into his struggle.
"There are more important things in life than school or money or work," he said. "Family and Friends mean a lot."
He was a gym rat who tried to shoot baskets every day during his treatments, said teacher Sharon Young KIPP. He wasn't allowed to dress for football, but he still came to practice. He dressed for the last game of the year.
"He was so strong about it," VOUVALIDIS said. "He had this never-give-up attitude."
The cancer went into remission and stayed away for almost two years.
"I've always said my mom gave it to me so I could beat it," he said at a Central football game.
"You have to be strong. Never once did I say I was going to die. All through this, I just kept thinking about how I was going to play football and basketball again."
He had won his first battle against cancer and didn't lose his drive to raise awareness.
"I was lucky. I got to share his dream and help him make it work," Kipp YOUNG said.
Last year, VLACH took on a fundraising drive at the school, selling Lance Armstrong bracelets and breast cancer bracelets.
He also helped to raise $10,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
A year ago, he received an Ernie McTavish Award given London high school students who have overcome great odds.
He was accepted to Western's Kings University College and worked at Camp Trillium for kids with cancer, for the summer.
But he began to feel ill. In August, he was told the cancer was back. His diagnosis was terminal.
In September, he said he found inspiration in Terry Fox and wanted his own life to be used to raise money for children.
"He just kept fighting -- never quit," said football coach Phil HARRIS.
An annual award has been named for VLACH.
The cancer campaign at the school this year was dedicated to him. Three weeks ago, VLACH was at the school for the last time for an assembly.
On Friday their Carnival of Hope aims to match the $10,000 raised last year.
VLACH remembered for spirit, courage
By Jane SIMS, Free Press Reporter, Mon., April 24, 2006
VLACH: The Central secondary grad and athlete died Saturday at age 19 of cancer.
In his short, extraordinary life, Alex VLACH taught everyone around him about living life with dignity. With determination. With grace.
Cancer was his only enemy. In the end, even VLACH's unequalled drive to win was no match for the deadly disease.
VLACH, a Central secondary school graduate and athlete who inspired his school to reach out to others, died on Saturday at age 19.
He leaves behind a community of family and Friends in awe of his courageous journey and his unbreakable spirit despite the odds.
"He's a hero to a lot of people," said teacher and football coach John VOUVALIDIS.
"He showed us all what amazing things can be accomplished with strength of spirit and hope," said teacher Martine Bracey HOFFMAN.
In Grade 10, VLACH lost his mom to cancer. Within a year, he was diagnosed with a rare abdominal form of the disease.
When he was 16, after 42 chemotherapy treatments and 12 radiation treatments, he found an insight into his struggle.
"There are more important things in life than school or money or work," he said. "Family and Friends mean a lot."
He was a gym rat who tried to shoot baskets every day during his treatments, said teacher Sharon Young KIPP. He wasn't allowed to dress for football, but he still came to practice. He dressed for the last game of the year.
"He was so strong about it," VOUVALIDIS said. "He had this never-give-up attitude."
The cancer went into remission and stayed away for almost two years.
"I've always said my mom gave it to me so I could beat it," he said at a Central football game.
"You have to be strong. Never once did I say I was going to die. All through this, I just kept thinking about how I was going to play football and basketball again."
He had won his first battle against cancer and didn't lose his drive to raise awareness.
"I was lucky. I got to share his dream and help him make it work," Kipp YOUNG said.
Last year, VLACH took on a fundraising drive at the school, selling Lance Armstrong bracelets and breast cancer bracelets.
He also helped to raise $10,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
A year ago, he received an Ernie McTavish Award given London high school students who have overcome great odds.
He was accepted to Western's Kings University College and worked at Camp Trillium for kids with cancer, for the summer.
But he began to feel ill. In August, he was told the cancer was back. His diagnosis was terminal.
In September, he said he found inspiration in Terry Fox and wanted his own life to be used to raise money for children.
"He just kept fighting -- never quit," said football coach Phil HARRIS.
An annual award has been named for VLACH.
The cancer campaign at the school this year was dedicated to him. Three weeks ago, VLACH was at the school for the last time for an assembly.
On Friday their Carnival of Hope aims to match the $10,000 raised last year.
In the words of Alex, Cancer sucks! Alexander Karel Vlach passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2006 and was reunited in Heaven with his mother Jean Taylor, his 2 grandfathers Karel Vlach, Robert Taylor, his uncles Bob Taylor and Alam Farghaly. Alex's spirit, love, laughter courage and zest for life will forever remain an integral part of so many families including Karel, Jennifer and Lara Vlach, Mike, Sherry, Allen, Michelle and Mark Lukas, Peter and Lili Rechnitzer, Bea Taylor and George Mackie, Al Krische. Alex is loved by all his aunts, uncles and their children; Eric and Tiana Vlach, Michael and Holli Vlach, Munca Farghaly, Hani Farghaly, Barbara and Ron Martin, Casper and Anna Koevoets, Jim and Wendy Taylor, Deb Taylor, Chuck Taylor, Kelly and David Keith, Mike and Liz Krische, and John Krische. Alex will forever remain in the heart of his girlfriend Sarah Tew and his best friend Lee Goneau. Alex was inspired, motivated and supported by; Central Highschool, all the students and teachers, especially John Vouvalidis, Phil Harris, Martine Bracey Hoffman and Sharon Young Kipp. Thank you for celebrating Alex's achievments by awarding him the Ernie McTavish award and later developing the Alex Vlach award, The Make a Wish Foundation, Lori Quick who is so wonderful and made Alex feel super special, Camp Trillium for allowing Alex to use his life experiences for the good of other children and their families, Pediatric Medical Day Unit, Dr. Michael Leaker, Barb Dagelman, Cathy Wilson, Todd Wharton and Danielle Cautidella. Your smiling faces and unwavering support gave Alex strength and vitality. Special thanks go to V.O.N., especially Joy Reuben whose dedication and kindness to Alex was simply wonderful. Thank you Dr. Gil Schreier and all the nurses in palliative care, 6th floor, Victoria Hospital. Who says you cannot depend on the kindness of strangers? You are all exceptional people. Please join us at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Monday, April 24th from 2-4 and 7-9 o'clock. At Alex's request, please perk up your black with colour, colour, colour. The funeral service will be held at New Hope Community Church, 4009 Colonel Talbot Road, Lambeth on Tuesday, April 25th at 2 o'clock. Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Make a Wish Foundation.
VLACH remembered for spirit, courage
By Jane SIMS, Free Press Reporter, Mon., April 24, 2006
VLACH: The Central secondary grad and athlete died Saturday at age 19 of cancer.
In his short, extraordinary life, Alex VLACH taught everyone around him about living life with dignity. With determination. With grace.
Cancer was his only enemy. In the end, even VLACH's unequalled drive to win was no match for the deadly disease.
VLACH, a Central secondary school graduate and athlete who inspired his school to reach out to others, died on Saturday at age 19.
He leaves behind a community of family and Friends in awe of his courageous journey and his unbreakable spirit despite the odds.
"He's a hero to a lot of people," said teacher and football coach John VOUVALIDIS.
"He showed us all what amazing things can be accomplished with strength of spirit and hope," said teacher Martine Bracey HOFFMAN.
In Grade 10, VLACH lost his mom to cancer. Within a year, he was diagnosed with a rare abdominal form of the disease.
When he was 16, after 42 chemotherapy treatments and 12 radiation treatments, he found an insight into his struggle.
"There are more important things in life than school or money or work," he said. "Family and Friends mean a lot."
He was a gym rat who tried to shoot baskets every day during his treatments, said teacher Sharon Young KIPP. He wasn't allowed to dress for football, but he still came to practice. He dressed for the last game of the year.
"He was so strong about it," VOUVALIDIS said. "He had this never-give-up attitude."
The cancer went into remission and stayed away for almost two years.
"I've always said my mom gave it to me so I could beat it," he said at a Central football game.
"You have to be strong. Never once did I say I was going to die. All through this, I just kept thinking about how I was going to play football and basketball again."
He had won his first battle against cancer and didn't lose his drive to raise awareness.
"I was lucky. I got to share his dream and help him make it work," Kipp YOUNG said.
Last year, VLACH took on a fundraising drive at the school, selling Lance Armstrong bracelets and breast cancer bracelets.
He also helped to raise $10,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
A year ago, he received an Ernie McTavish Award given London high school students who have overcome great odds.
He was accepted to Western's Kings University College and worked at Camp Trillium for kids with cancer, for the summer.
But he began to feel ill. In August, he was told the cancer was back. His diagnosis was terminal.
In September, he said he found inspiration in Terry Fox and wanted his own life to be used to raise money for children.
"He just kept fighting -- never quit," said football coach Phil HARRIS.
An annual award has been named for VLACH.
The cancer campaign at the school this year was dedicated to him. Three weeks ago, VLACH was at the school for the last time for an assembly.
On Friday their Carnival of Hope aims to match the $10,000 raised last year.
VLACH remembered for spirit, courage
By Jane SIMS, Free Press Reporter, Mon., April 24, 2006
VLACH: The Central secondary grad and athlete died Saturday at age 19 of cancer.
In his short, extraordinary life, Alex VLACH taught everyone around him about living life with dignity. With determination. With grace.
Cancer was his only enemy. In the end, even VLACH's unequalled drive to win was no match for the deadly disease.
VLACH, a Central secondary school graduate and athlete who inspired his school to reach out to others, died on Saturday at age 19.
He leaves behind a community of family and Friends in awe of his courageous journey and his unbreakable spirit despite the odds.
"He's a hero to a lot of people," said teacher and football coach John VOUVALIDIS.
"He showed us all what amazing things can be accomplished with strength of spirit and hope," said teacher Martine Bracey HOFFMAN.
In Grade 10, VLACH lost his mom to cancer. Within a year, he was diagnosed with a rare abdominal form of the disease.
When he was 16, after 42 chemotherapy treatments and 12 radiation treatments, he found an insight into his struggle.
"There are more important things in life than school or money or work," he said. "Family and Friends mean a lot."
He was a gym rat who tried to shoot baskets every day during his treatments, said teacher Sharon Young KIPP. He wasn't allowed to dress for football, but he still came to practice. He dressed for the last game of the year.
"He was so strong about it," VOUVALIDIS said. "He had this never-give-up attitude."
The cancer went into remission and stayed away for almost two years.
"I've always said my mom gave it to me so I could beat it," he said at a Central football game.
"You have to be strong. Never once did I say I was going to die. All through this, I just kept thinking about how I was going to play football and basketball again."
He had won his first battle against cancer and didn't lose his drive to raise awareness.
"I was lucky. I got to share his dream and help him make it work," Kipp YOUNG said.
Last year, VLACH took on a fundraising drive at the school, selling Lance Armstrong bracelets and breast cancer bracelets.
He also helped to raise $10,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
A year ago, he received an Ernie McTavish Award given London high school students who have overcome great odds.
He was accepted to Western's Kings University College and worked at Camp Trillium for kids with cancer, for the summer.
But he began to feel ill. In August, he was told the cancer was back. His diagnosis was terminal.
In September, he said he found inspiration in Terry Fox and wanted his own life to be used to raise money for children.
"He just kept fighting -- never quit," said football coach Phil HARRIS.
An annual award has been named for VLACH.
The cancer campaign at the school this year was dedicated to him. Three weeks ago, VLACH was at the school for the last time for an assembly.
On Friday their Carnival of Hope aims to match the $10,000 raised last year.
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