Stephen's Life

Stephen was born in Falls Church,Virginia, on Sunday, May 27, 1979 and died in Phoenix, Arizona in his sleep on Monday, January 25, 2010. At birth, Stephen was diagnosed with Noonan's Syndrome which encompassed some physical anomalies as well as developmental delays. He began to have seizures at age two and at age twelve a brain tumor was diagnosed. Following the surgery, Dr. Ben Carson, who is Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, became his doctor and followed his progress.

After the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2000, Stephen attended and graduated from Thunderbird High School and began attending Life Challenge. With his friends there, he enjoyed bowling, cooking, movies, field trips and more. He attended weekly meetings of Young Life Capernaum and received twice weekly sessions at Neurologic Music Therapy Services of Arizona.

In 2004 he won a trophy in the Phoenix Special Olympics Bowling Tournament for the highest scratch score for a male bowler not using an aid. Over the years he received many 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place team and individual medals in bowling, bocci ball, softball throw, and running.

He liked learning to play the guitar, playing tennis, softball, and riding his bicycle, as well as playing Mario Brothers and Duck Hunt video games. An avid collector of model cars, team t-shirts, and sports caps, Stephen never tired of making new acquisitions to his collections.

During his life Stephen was active in three Nazarene churches: Washington D.C. First, Phoenix Monte Vista and Tempe. He was thrilled when he went to Ecuador with his parents who studied at the Nazarene International Language Institute in 2008.

Stephen loved Jesus and was a blessing to his family and his friends.