Kyle was a good friend who really listened to others. He loved to play soccer and baseball and was a very gifted athlete. He was gentle with animals and babies and respectful to elders. As he got older he liked to play video games, poker, and board games. He liked to eat a variety of foods-his favorite combo was the Carl’s Jr. Western Bacon Cheeseburger with a Sprite and fried zucchini. He didn’t have a big sweet tooth, but his favorite treats were Tootsie Rolls. He liked them he because they gave him just the little taste of chocolate whenever he craved it. He also liked Tootsie Rolls because they weren’t the most popular candy so he would always get a lot from others at Halloween and from piñatas, so he always had a candy available whenever he wanted!
Kyle was always healthy-never missed school or broke a bone- until he got sick when he was 11. His cancer would come and go. We tried everything possible- surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, even a possible vaccine but his cancer was very aggressive. Throughout the 4 plus years of cancer, Kyle never questioned why he got it or why it kept coming back. He never whined even though we knew he was in pain, and he never gave up hope. He was so brave! It was heartbreaking to see him lose his hair, go through changes, miss school, feel sick, be alone. It was scary waiting for him to come out of surgery.  I was always in such awe of his bravery. When he was sick or in treatment or stuck at home he did whatever was asked of him and stayed positive. His nurses and doctors loved him!! When he was cleared to go to school or play sports he really made the most of it and appreciated his opportunities. I often think he was an old soul full of youthfulness. I can picture his big bright smile and hear his voice. I wish he had been able to continue with high school, play sports, drive, date, graduate, go to college, work, marry, have kids and just continue to live the life he deserved to live. I will forever keep him alive. Kyle was so loved.

– Maya Garcia Bacon, mom