Walter’s Story

Site created on November 26, 2022

On November 25, 2022, at the age of 6.5, Walter was diagnosed with an aggressive and terminal DIPG brain tumor. Megan and David made the incredibly difficult decision to forego radiation and clinical trials to allow Walter to spend his remaining weeks as comfortable as possible at home. (These interventions only provide very temporary relief from symptoms.) Walter was able to go on a Make a Wish trip to Legoland and the San Diego Zoo, enjoy fun get togethers with friends, visit his first grade class at St. Clare School, and spend lots of time at home with his family. He was also able to celebrate his 7th birthday on February 11. With the assistance of a wonderful pediatric hospice team, Megan and David managed Walter's rapidly progressing symptoms as best they could. Walter died peacefully at home on March 6, 2023, just three months after his diagnosis. He is missed terribly by all who loved and knew him, and the impact of his death is felt widely in the community. 

 The Dixon family (affectionately known as the Frixons) will continue to use this site to provide occasional updates, including ways to celebrate and honor Walter's memory. The community remains strong in support of Megan, David, Maisie and Augie as they navigate through this unimaginable situation.  

Newest Update

Memorial Fund for Walter

Journal entry by Megan French —

Hello everyone, 

With both Walter's birthday and the anniversary of his death quickly approaching, we wanted to share with everyone an update on where you can make a donation in Walter's memory. 
 
Last year, when we began to discuss where we wanted to create a legacy in Walter's name, St Clare School seemed the obvious choice, given what a special place it was for Walter. So, we have been working with the school to create an endowment fund in Walter's name at St Clare. Walter was proud to be a Dragon, and it feels right that he will have a lasting legacy there. 
 
If you would like to contribute to his fund, you may do so at the link below. All the funds from this site will go directly to his fund at St Clare. (If you previously donated to St Clare in Walter's name, your donation was added to his fund.) It will be used to assist families at the school facing difficult situations, as well as educational programs that Walter enjoyed in his time there.
 
 
This Sunday, February 11th, is Walter's 8th birthday, which will be a difficult milestone. We also just celebrated Maisie's 5th birthday- her first without Walter. On Sunday, we plan to build a Lego set as a family, which will be a small way to honor Walter and his love of all things Lego. 
 
Thank you to everyone for your continued support. 
 
Megan and David
Read More of the journal titled "Memorial Fund for Walter"
  • Walter received a Stand Out and Shine award at St Clare just a few weeks before his diagnosis. He was so proud! 
    Walter received a Stand Out and Shine award at St Clare just a ...
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