Alexa Morgan Mallow

Alexa Morgan Mallow, 24, Mission, KS, passed away Sept. 3, 2019, after a strong and courageous 16-month battle against brain cancer. She faced, fought and beat the worst of odds - even when doctors and statistics predicted otherwise. She stayed positive, optimistic and always held on to hope, encouraging others to do the same. She touched so many lives … and made a real difference in this world.

Alexa was born in Kansas City and raised in Shawnee and Olathe. From the time she could talk, she was socializing. From the local McDonald's Play Place, to the neighborhood playground, to waiting in line at the zoo — she would introduce herself to other kids, hold their hands and announce she had a new friend.  In elementary school, she volunteered at an animal adoption center and enjoyed horseback riding lessons. She also fell in love with soccer - a game she would play competitively for many years. In high school, she was a cheerleader and a member of the Mill Valley soccer team, and later the Olathe Northwest soccer team. She also found her calling of working with special needs populations, working in the school district's child care center and as a peer-mentor to high school students. She graduated early from University of Kansas in 2016 and quickly started her career at Kansas City Autism Training Center, working one-on-one with children. It was a job tailor-made for her - and a job she truly loved. She also loved to travel - vacationing to the beach, new cities and Disney World (eight times!). She also enjoyed traveling outside of the United States - favorite places included Montreal, London, Costa Rica and her dream trip: an African safari in Tanzania. She didn't let terminal cancer slow her down - in fact, she traveled more in the past year than some people travel in a lifetime. She made sure her life was an amazing journey full of great adventures. May we all follow in her lead.

Alexa was preceded in death by her grandfather Morris "Moe" Mallow, and her uncle Doug Christian. She is survived by her mother, Lisa Mallow, who stood close beside her with encouragement and love each step of her battle. Other survivors include aunts Kelly Christian, Leslie (Curt) Mason, Pam Valentine, Laura (Ryan) Moore, and Jenny Waltemath; grandparents Michelle Mallow and  Linda Mallow; and cousins Emily and Ben Mason, Libby, Jack and Ellison Christian, Cammie Pfeifer and  Mia Valentine, Quinton and Payton Watts and Riley Moore, and Hannah Waltemath. She also leaves behind her beloved adopted shelter dog, Beau.

Despite the pain, distress and fear that accompanied her cancer fight, she chose to stay positive. She lived life fully and with joy. May her life be a lesson to everyone - fight hard, stay strong and never lose hope.  She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but each knows their life is richer because she was in it.

A visitation will be held from 2-4 pm with a memorial service at 4 pm on Sunday, September 8 at Kaw Prairie Community Church, 9421 Meadow View Drive, Lenexa, KS 66227.

Memorial donations in Alexa's honor may be made to Sanctuary Friends Network, SFN-Hays Office, 1502 Marjorie Drive, Hays, KS 67601.