 | |  | | Al B Open | | Benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia |
| |
| | | | | | | | Mark Alexander Baranowski led a wonderful life in Harrisburg. Growing up, Alex attended Holy Name of Jesus, Paxtonia Elementry, East Junior High and Central Dauphin High School. He had also attended classes at Harrisburg Area Community College. He worked at AT&T Wireless. He was proud of his hometown, his school and his family and friends.
Alex loved sports and competition. Big Al can best be remembered for the excitement and enthusiasm as he led the CD cheering section during football, soccer, and basketball season. Later he would bring that same gift to Virginia Tech and the Baltimore Ravens. Alex was most happy when he was at a Baltimore Orioles game cheering on his hero, Cal Ripken Jr. When he was younger, he excelled playing baseball for Paxtonia baseball. Together, he and his brother, Andrew played Paxtonia basketball on the same team. He also loved to play cards, golf and to have a good time surrounded by his family, friends and his dogs.
Alex was born on September 9, 1981 at Plyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg. He was born with a congenial heart defect. He was a patient of Dr. Aaron Nordenberg and Dr. David Besselman. At the age of twenty-one months and again at the age of four and a half, he had groundbreaking heart surgeries lead by Dr. Albert Pacifico at the University of Alabama Heart Hospital in Birmingham, AL. These surgeries allowed him to live a full and healthy childhood. In 2001, Alex had open heart surgery at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Under the care of Dr. Mitch Cohen and Dr. Ron Tenale, he was given another four years.
Alex was courageous in facing all of his medical treatments. He had a winning spirit that inspired his family, his friends and his doctors. He cheered on the other young patients and formed friendships. He became an inspiration to the other families at the hospital as proof their children had a very good chance. He was treated by the finest medical teams and technology available. Most importantly, he was given the finest support by his hundreds of friends.
Alex has left us his winning record. Alex made an impression in everyone he met with his outgoing personality. He graced us with twenty-three years of laughter, excitement, kindness and fun. He was a true character who was larger than life. He will be remembered fondly and missed dearly.
|
| |
| | |
| |