The Champ’s Corner Fund

“My life is my message.”~Gandhi

Alex was diagnosed with brain cancer, medulloblastoma, when he was 15 years old.  Although Alex’s entire tumor was removed and his prognosis very good, we discovered that the cancer had returned in his spine during a routine MRI, just one week before his final chemotherapy was scheduled. He knew that so many children and teens had a worse prognosis than he did, and never wanted to bring attention to himself. But after his recurrence he knew it was incredibly important to share his story to help raise awareness. Alex’s nickname was “Champ” since he was a toddler, so we started a Facebook page called The Champ’s Corner, and could not believe the show of support from our friends, family, and community.

Our brave and sweet Alex died on November 11, 2014 from brain and spinal cancer.  He was only 16 years old. Before he died, he had a last wish. He wanted to bring attention to the teens and adolescents battling cancer. He knew that this population of patients faced unique challenges and concerns. He wished to make their time in the hospital a bit brighter, while letting them know that they are important and valued. We asked his social worker to create a “Wish List,” and we plan on delivering these gifts to the oncology unit to help distract these teens from their discomfort and situation. Our Champ’s fund will go directly toward fulfilling this wish through donations to the oncology floor, as well as addressing some of the needs that arise for families in the childhood and teen cancer communities.

Our Champ was selfless, courageous, and an excellent student as well. Alex received straight A’s in his high school’s most rigorous courses, making honor roll every marking period. He was a Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth participant and winner of the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. He was an avid musician who played several instruments including the piano and drums. He was a hospital volunteer and made the varsity crew team one week before his diagnosis. Alex also had a black belt in TaeKwonDo. During his illness, over $170,000 was donated to pediatric cancer research and childhood cancer causes in his name. Our Champ was posthumously inducted as an honorary member of his high school’s National Honor Society just months after he died. Because of Alex’s many accomplishments and goals, we are also creating a scholarship fund to benefit a senior from his high school that exhibits many of the character traits that Alex embodied. In this way, we can honor his legacy and memory.

Alex’s life is a legacy of a life lived with love, passion, curiosity, selflessness, and true courage. He was the light of our lives and will be forever remembered and forever loved.

Wishing you a very special thank you for your love and generous support. We are forever grateful.

The Muñoz Family
Fabrizio, Laura, Raymond and William

Please visit www.alexmunoz.org to learn more about Alex and his wonderful friends and community.

Contributions to the The Alexander Muñoz Memorial Fund can be made by check, payable to the Princeton Area Community Foundation with “Alex Muñoz” in the memo line, and mailed to the Princeton Area Community Foundation or online here (please click on “support a specific fund” and add “Alex Muñoz” in the comment section).

*The Fund closed in 2023, after supporting organizations with $187,000 granted from 28 grants.

For more information or support, please contact:

Jeffrey M. Vega
President & CEO