Submit a PhotoAxel Rockwell Alcantar, AKA Iron Man, of Phoenix, Arizona
My name is: Axel Rockwell Alcantar (but you can also call me Iron Man since we both have ports on our chests)
I was born in: April of 2019; I am 5 years old
I live in: Phoenix, Arizona
My favorite color is: pink…and blue, gold, rainbow, and anything that sparkles like a diamond.
My favorite foods are: turkey sandwiches (I once ate 2 footlong Subway sandwiches in 1 day!), dino nuggies, mac ‘n cheese (but only if I smell the packet of cheese first), every fruit out there, gogurts, milk, strawberry shortcake, and jello sundaes with lots of sprinkles.
When I grow up, I’m going to be: a vet so that I can help all the animals.
My favorite superhero is: Iron Man (me). But there isn’t really a superhero or bad guy that I don’t like!
If I could have any superpower in the entire world, it would be: to save all the animals that need help (especially the cats stuck in trees).
The things I love to do the most: hang out with my brothers, play Roblox, spend time with my cousins and my friends, travel (going to Wisconsin and on cruises are my favorite!), watch movies (Luca and The Grinch top the list), collect stuffies (I may or may not have close to a million), snuggle and hit every possible Halloween and Christmas event that my mom and I can squeeze in, and play the “I Love You” game and Lego Marvel on the Switch with my dad.
The things I am not a super fan of: sleep (sooo boring), taking all the medicine I have to take (even though I did it like a champ), and bugs! You could poke me with needles 10 times over and I wouldn’t make a peep, but if I so much as see a gnat near me, everyone is going to know!
The people I love the most are: Mommy, Daddy, my brothers Kaiden and Mavy (Maverick); Wisconsin Grandma (Cindy Laube), Wisconsin Grandpa (John Heineke), Sopa Grandma (Angelita Alcantar); My Wisconsin cousins: Callen, Casen, Carsen, and Shea; My Snowflake cousins: Dokken, Drezen, Zander, Sawyer, and Ambrey-Jae; My Mommy’s Family: Aunt Jonna (Genaro), Aunt Amy (Josh), Aunt Laurie and Family, Aunt Lynne and Family; My Daddy’s Family: Uncle Sal AKA Uncle Cheesie (Ange), Aunt Teri (Jeff) and Family, Aunt T and Family, Aunt Sylvia and Family, Aunt Dolores and Family, and Aunt Estella and Family. Headed to Heaven before me and waiting for my arrival with open arms are my Sopa Grandpa (Sal Alcantar) and my beloved dog Mako who I have missed so very much.
Axel’s Mommy (Heather Heineke) and Daddy (Marcos Alcantar) will hold Axel’s Celebration of Life on Thursday, July 18th at Gilbert Memorial Park – 2100 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert, AZ, 85297. The visitation will be from 9:30-11 AM, with the Celebration of Life from 11 AM-12 PM. At 12 PM, there will be a short blessing outside at the gravesite, followed by a light lunch (also at Gilbert Memorial Park). For those unable to attend in person, the Celebration of Life will be live streamed (and recorded) from 10:30 AM-12 PM PST.
We are so grateful to the many doctors, nurses, child life specialists, family, friends, and “Axel’s Army” who worked tirelessly and prayed fervently to cure Axel of his cancer and make him smile. For most of his journey with cancer, if it weren’t for his bald head, you never would have guessed Axel even had cancer. His positive attitude, amazing spirit, and endless energy inspired everyone who met him. Even when the cancer spread to his brain, spine, and the rest of his body, Axel never complained and you would still always find him with that kilowatt smile on his face. So many things can be learned from the life of this little boy who faced the toughest of things and never ever let it get him down.
In lieu of flowers, we would ask that you instead donate to one of eight amazing organizations. Each of these organizations has meant the world to us during Axel’s battle with cancer, and any amount going to them would mean so much more to us than flowers. Below are details on each organization and why Axel loved them, along with a direct link to their donation page. Thank you for honoring this special request of ours that means so much.
**LILY’S PAD**
Lily’s Pad is a hyperclean, indoor playground designed to provide immunocompromised children and their siblings with a clean environment where they can enjoy typical childhood activities.
Axel would have lived here if given the opportunity (no, really!) Lily’s Pad was his happy place. Where he could be a kid without his mom worrying about him and germs everywhere else. He wanted to go to Lily’s Pad every single day and had so much fun every single time. The family who started and run Lily’s Pad became and are like family to us.
**GIVE KIDS THE WORLD VILLAGE**
Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, nonprofit “storybook” resort in Central Florida. Here, children with critical illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations.
This is the place that the boys couldn’t stop talking about and that they want to go back to. As part of our Make-A-Wish trip (you can only stay here as a Wish Kid!) staying in our own villa, ice cream for breakfast, Axel’s magical star that will be in the Castle of Miracles forever, front-of-the-line DisneyWorld tickets, you name it…it holds so many special memories for us and was such a wonderful trip that we were all able to take together, all while not having to worry about anything.
Give | Give Kids The World Village | Top-Rated Charity |
**HOPEKIDS**
HopeKids provides ongoing events, activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life threatening medical condition.
HopeKids kept our minds busy and us out doing so many fun things. So many of the activities you saw me post about (the Christmas Trolley, the amazing Christmas parties, movies and shows, etc) were put on by HopeKids. At a time when it was so hard to not think about cancer 24/7, they allowed us to just have fun…something that was so needed in order to get through this journey.
**CHILDREN’S CANCER NETWORK**
We support children and families throughout their cancer journey with programs and services designed to provide financial assistance, promote education, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create an awareness of issues they face related to childhood cancer.
This is one of the organizations that Maverick always talks about. They have special programs for not only cancer kiddos but also siblings, which is so needed. Finding a place where Maverick connected was so important for him and for us.
**NEVER EVER GIVE UP (NEGU)**
Each registered family receives fun recurring boosts of joy. These gifts are delivered for the sole purpose of wanting them to feel encouraged, bring them smiles, create priceless memories, and help them know they are not alone in this journey.
Axel looked forward to receiving these JoyJars in the mail every single month. They were always filled with fun, silly things to make him smile.
Six Ways To Give! – NEGU – Jessie Rees Foundation
**MEGAN’S MISSION FOUNDATION**
The Megan’s Mission Foundation is committed to realizing Megan’s dream of ending childhood cancer through advocacy and research.
This is one of the only organizations that dedicates funding specifically for Rhabdomyosarcoma research. There is little funding for pediatric cancer research as is, and Rhabdomyosarcoma being such a rare cancer on top of that, there is just not enough money going into research for it. However this foundation was started by a young girl (Megan) who had Rhabdomyosarcoma and wanted to change the narrative. Research is the answer to finding a cure for this awful disease and this is the foundation specifically supporting it.
**THE SUPERHERO EXPERIENCE** (COLTEN COWELL FOUNDATION)
We designed the Superhero Experience to benefit the entire family. For the children, they get to forget that they are sick and simply enjoy being a kid. For the parents, this is an evening to momentarily let go of their worries and share a moment of pure joy with their children. In the end, memories are all we have, and the best are the ones that we get to share with the people that we love.
This was the “Bat Cave” experience that we got to take a limo to and enjoy with so many of our family and friends. A unique one-of-a-kind experience, it truly made Axel feel like a superhero and was such a wonderful way to spend time together and make memories.
Donate – Colten Cowell Foundation
**MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION**
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
When Axel’s cancer spread to his brain and his spine, this organization jumped in to quickly make Axel’s wish happen. They made him (and us!) feel so special and granted his #1 wish…DisneyWorld and staying at Give Kids The World!
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To all of Axel family. I wish that I could ease your heartache, but I know that’s impossible. May it bring you comfort knowing that he touched so many people over the past months. May Axel rest in peace ???? pain free playing with his doggie that he missed so much. Sending you all my sympathy, prayers ???? and love ❤️ God bless you all
God’s promise to us believers gives peace, comfort and hope that your precious Axel is now cradled in the arms of Jesus. May he also surround you with the Peace, knowing that Axel is truly Home. Blessings to all of you. Kay Nightingale, Beloit, WI
No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss, your family’s loss and everyone else that knew Axel’s loss. I didnt even get the pleasure of meeting him and the updates that you have so graciously given us all have been so painful just to read. So incredibly sorry doesn’t even come close to describing what I would like to say, so for now, I am constantly thinking about you all and praying for some peace and relief during this awful time. My love to you all <3
We have followed the life of this super hero he was definitely a super hero. Axel we love you and hope your being iron man in heaven. So sorry for the loss of this little one. To the family we love you and stay strong..
My thoughts and prayers have and will continue to be with all of you at this difficult time. ????❤️????
I have no idea why the ? marks are on my post..
My apologies ❤️????❤️
My thoughts and prayers have and will continue to be with all of you at this difficult time. ????❤️????
May good memories give you comfort , My most sincere condolences in this difficult moment. For you and your family I’m thinking about you and your family during this time of loss. May peace and consolation be with you right now ????????
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful hero. Many hugs and blessings from Beloit Wisconsin
Our hearts are breaking for all of you. We know exactly what you guys are going through. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are here if you guys ever want to talk hopefully once your ready we can connect.????????????♥️.
I am so very sorry for your loss. It was apparent Axel was well loved by his family. I am friends and work with Gma Cindy. I pray for peace and strength for all of you ❤️
My heart is broken for the loss of my “Best Buddy”. Words cannot express the love ❤️ I had and still have for Axel. His smile, energy and hugs were contagious. I will miss him until I join him in a place without pain.
What a loving written tribute to Axel! Sympathy to all who had the honor of knowing this super hero.
Vicki Dencker
May the love and support surrounding you provide comfort when possible.
I am so sorry for all of you, it is hard to find words. You were blessed with a special little boy, his smile was like none other.
May God hold you all in this difficult time.
Stewart and Judy Spain
Thank you for sharing Axel’s journey. He showed us how to prevail and be strong through challenges. We are so sorry to hear the loss of a true soldier who fought arduously. We are truly heartbroken and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love and endless hugs!
We love you. Even though we have not ever met you, we love you. Thank you for spreading so much light and strength to so many. Thank you for being an example in so many ways. I’m sure that heaven welcomed you open arms. And I’m also sure that you will never be forgotten here on earth but always be treasured and loved. We are praying for your family. We love all of you.
Axel was a shining light and his memory will continue to inspire… I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s comfort and healing.
To all of Axel family. I am so sorry for your loss of your Super Hero. I first met Axel at Lily’s Pad. He sure loved playing soccer and such a super goalie! Axel was such a delight to talk too and loved hugs. My heart reaches out to you and your family. Thanks for sharing his story. Axel is now in heaven and playing pain free. Thoughts and prayers and hugs. Such loving memories you
To all of Axel’s family. I am so sorry for your loss of your Superhero. I first met him at Lily’s pad. Axel sure loved playing soccer and was such a super goalie! He was such a delight talking to and loved hugs. Always will remember his smiles. My heart reaches out to you and your family. Axel is now at peace. Thoughts and Prayers and hugs.
Our prayers and thoughts will continue to be with you and your family through these difficult times. Axel was and will always be a hero to us for his example of living life to the fullest and always with a smile. May God bless, keep and comfort you!
We love your family so much. May God give you the peace and comfort you long for. The time will come when we will reunite with our loved ones again. Axel had an army waiting for him on the other side of the veil. What a special young man, who touched so many with his optimism. I hope Ryan was there to greet him, I’m pretty sure he was!
My thoughts and prayers are with you continually. Axel was a true warrior and his smile was contagious. Heather, in pray that the Lord will surround you with his love and peace today and in the days ahead. May God bless you and your family. ❤️
My heart goes out to you all. I never had the honor of meeting Axel in person but he stold a piece of my heart. Such an honor to be apart of his celebration of his life. May God bless you all and suround you with love.
With deepest sympathy. My heart goes out to all your family during this difficult time. I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers. Fly high super hero Axel you’re pain free.
Sending you a virtual hug. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the good memories of such a loving and beautiful boy bring you comfort. May God bless you.