Not Done Yet: Alexzander’s Story

Alexzander “Alex” Nelson-Garcia’s story is about resilience, love, and the power of community in the face of unthinkable challenges. At just 11, Alex began to show symptoms no family wants to ignore. He was vomiting, constantly exhausted, and tilting his head back just to make it through the day. His mother, Dezarai, a certified nursing assistant, knew these were signs of something serious, but their small Colorado town—with its limited pediatric care—left them searching for answers.

Doctors initially attributed Alex’s struggles to migraines or middle school nervousness. Some suggested anxiety medication. But Dezarai trusted her instincts and persisted. Only after driving to the next town and insisting on a CT scan did she finally get answers. The scan revealed an aggressive brain tumor, ependymoma, pressing on the fourth ventricle of Alex’s brain.

From that point, life moved quickly. Alex underwent emergency surgery at Children’s Hospital of Colorado in Denver, followed by months of demanding rehab. He had to relearn basic skills, like walking and swallowing. Through it all, Alex met every challenge with steady determination and a quiet wit that became his signature.

Nine months later, just as things began to look hopeful, new pain led to scans that revealed the cancer had spread to his spine. More treatment followed—targeted radiation, chemotherapy, a clinical trial. Despite their efforts, the tumors persisted and multiplied. Eventually, doctors told Alex and his family that there were no curative options left. Hospice care began, but Alex’s fighting spirit never faded.

Even toward the end, Alex’s light never dimmed. He was one of the few kids who gained weight during chemo and radiation, a fact that made his mother smile. He reached 95 pounds, happily enjoying meals and snacks whenever he could.

Alex’s attitude was as unique as his story. When offered a final chemotherapy option, he resisted at first. “I really don’t want to do more medicine,” he told his mom. But after taking some time, he reconsidered with trademark humor and honesty. “I’ll do it. Because if it works, I get to live. If it doesn’t, then I die happy because I knew I was right.” Dezarai laughs when she recalls this, saying, “That’s just who Alex is. He’s pragmatic, a little bit stubborn, and always cracks a joke—even now.”

But Alex’s story is as much about the love that surrounded him as it was about his illness. His schools rallied behind him, organizing reverse parades where students donated to wear hats and each brought him a flower. These events raised over $2,000 for his care and, more importantly, filled his heart. “I’m so popular!” Alex said, overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. “He felt so much love, and that’s all I ever wanted for him,” Dezarai shares.

Community support went beyond his classmates. Estranged family members from across the country traveled to Colorado, many meeting Alex for the first time, determined to reconnect and repair old wounds. “It shouldn’t take a crisis to bring us together, but I’m grateful we had that chance,” says Dezarai. The Nelson family experienced healing, laughter, and the comfort of simply being together during a time when every moment mattered.

Alex had an especially close bond with his older sister, Lindzey. She’s a high school junior, training to be a firefighter, and handled everything life threw at their family. She even took Alex to her prom so he could experience it for himself. With school, training, and supporting her brother, Lindzey juggled it all with courage and heart.

The Nelson family chose joy in the face of heartbreak. They filled their days with adventures, from go-kart racing and water parks to a heart-pounding ride in Lamborghinis and an unforgettable Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World during Halloween festivities. “All Alex wanted was to trick-or-treat at Disney World. That’s the only time he cried. Not when he got his diagnosis, or went through surgery, but when he thought he’d miss Halloween,” Dezarai recalls with a bittersweet smile.

Behind the scenes, Dezarai continued to advocate for Alex, seeking out the best care, connecting with organizations like the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and even looking into possible environmental causes after learning that Alex and two of his teachers were diagnosed with cancer in the same year. She joined parent support groups and prepared for every chapter with hope and realism.

Alex made his wishes clear. He told his mom he didn’t want to die at home, thinking first of her own well-being. “At the hospital, you’ll have help. You can rest and not worry about me. That’s the kind of kid Alex is,” Dezarai says. “Always thinking about others, even in the face of hardship.”

Alex passed away surrounded by love, just as he had lived—with quiet strength, a thoughtful heart, and the laughter he always brought to those around him.

The Nelson family’s dream now is simple—to stay close, honor Alex’s legacy, and help others feel the same love they received. Dezarai hopes their story encourages other families to trust their instincts, advocate fiercely for their children, and treasure every moment with loved ones.

“We’re still focused on living,” Dezarai shares. “One moment at a time. And celebrating every bit of support and connection our community brings. That love means everything.”