Obituary: Suberg, 11, fought brain illness for much of his life

Web Posted: 05/21/2006 12:00 AM CDT
Carmina Danini
San Antonio Express-News

Less than two weeks after celebrating his seventh birthday, Kevin Suberg awoke at his San Angelo home with such a terrible headache that it prompted his parents to take him to a hospital emergency room.

A few hours later, the second-grader and his father were being airlifted to Methodist Children's Hospital of South Texas in San Antonio while his mother, an aunt and a family friend drove in from San Angelo.

The next night, doctors removed a brain tumor. That was the beginning of the youngster's near-five-year fight with medulloblastoma, the most common of all children's brain tumors.

Instead of enjoying school, he endured chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell transplant using his own brain cells.

Kevin fought the illness, but by last month, sensing he was losing the battle, he was asking his parents what heaven would be like.

The boy who loved Legos, was a fan of NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon and could dance a mean "Mambo No. 5" died at home May 11. He was 11 years old.

His parents, Richard, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, and Dorothy, moved to San Antonio so that Kevin could receive treatment here.

Kevin, his mother said, was embraced by the stock car racing community, especially people from the San Antonio Speedway.

The family began attending races at the speedway every Saturday. And last September, Kevin was strapped into a dragster driven by Ronnie Matheny that went down the straightaway at 80 mph.

"It was one of the best things for him," Dorothy Suberg said. "If Kevin was feeling well, we went to the track every Saturday because he enjoyed it so much."

He didn't always think of himself.

Last year, when Kevin learned children were among the evacuees coming to San Antonio after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, he asked his mother if he could donate some of his toys. He ended up filling two large bags with stuffed toys.

In addition to his parents, Kevin is survived by his paternal grandparents, Bill and Bonnie Suberg of San Antonio.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Francis Episcopal Church at 4242 Bluemel Road.

At Kevin's request, balloons will be released after the service so people unable to attend can send a "message up to heaven for him," his mother said.

This past Thursday, his parents sent up two balloons bearing messages from them.

May you rest in eternal peace, joy and happiness Kevin. I know you're family will miss you until they see you again.

I can't even begin to say anything on this post. The words "I am so sorry" seem inconsequential.

The words were extremely fitting and spoke of a young man with great courage and heart.

Very well written. Rest in peace.

Very kind and fitting words for an exceptional young man.

Well written. HK and my sympathies are with all of Kevin's family.

I was fortunate enough to attend the service this afternoon (I'm typing from a friend's machine right now).

Sadly, and in a weird manner, it didn't quite seem 'real' to me that Kevin is gone... until today. Seeing Rich and Dot without Kevin... and watching the priest bless the beautiful urn they picked out for him and referring to it as 'Kevin,' it finally sunk in fully and completely... and it feels like my heart's been torn out. Suddenly, and more than ever, I miss him and wish for the day to come back that we could watch the race and play with Legos.

And just as suddenly - my life seems a whole lot less complicated after seeing all the pictures of him growing up and reflecting on what Kevin and his parents have been through since this took over their lives.

My heart goes out to Kevin and his family, and after hearing the priest's reference to 'remaining focused on the end of the story,' I take some resolution in knowing that Kevin is indeed in a much better place, free of his affliction, and probably showing everybody in Heaven how to build monster trucks and race cars out of Legos.

Rest In Peace, Little Man... and thank you Peeps for giving me the opportunity to know Kevin and bring a little happiness to his life by trusting me to build his NASCAR computer on your behalf.

Thank you for sharing Ace, a very fitting tribute to a very special boy. Kevin you will remain in our memories, thank you for the joy that you have given so many of us. Rest in peace young man.