It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend, Xavier Kristen.
Xavier is deeply missed by his loving family: his mom and dad (Roz & Richard), his brother (Max), his sisters (Anna & Amelia), his dog (Roo), his Babi and Babu (Dr. Jennifer & Tom Simons), his aunts, his uncles, and his friends.
Xavier blessed our world with his love, friendship, kindness, and unbreakable spirit. He had many athletic and academic accomplishments, achievements, and successes, but he will largely be remembered for the incredible bonds he developed with his family, close friends, and community. Xavier was strikingly loyal and made an impact on every person who was fortunate enough to have known him.
His fight with brain cancer was met with courage and bravery. He battled through each day, each treatment, each surgery, and each hospital visit with an inspiring strength. When mere mortals would be lying in bed recovering, Xavier spent all the time he could in the gym working out and experiencing life with his friends and family.
Xavier was exceptionally resilient. He blessed us with a beautiful final week at home where his close friends and family came together to support him and one another, and to say goodbye.
We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the remarkable team of nurses and doctors at BC Children’s Hospital for their care and unwavering compassion over the last three years. We would also like to thank the wonderful community care team at Canuck Place who made it possible for us to honour Xavier’s wishes and bring him home for his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Xavier’s name to one of the following:
BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute: A memorial fund is currently being set up in Xavier’s name to fund clinical trials for novel treatments for pediatric type diffuse low-grade gliomas. All donations will be held, and then directed to the memorial fund once created: www.bcchf.ca/XavierKristen .
OR
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Enhanced Community Care Program: Please specify you would like your donation to be directed to the Enhanced Community Care Program: www.canuckplace.org/donate/ .