Kristian was sweet, kind, considerate, affectionate and strong. He liked Skylanders, Lego video games, baking and wanted to be a food critic or chef when he grows up. He liked watching football and playing videogames with his dad. Also, he was unstoppable in Candyland.

On October 11, 2014, Kristian's family's world turned upside down. Doctors told them that 5 year old Kristian had a large mass in the back of his brain. He was later diagnosed with brain cancer.

The year before, the military had relocated Kristian's family to Jonesboro, Arkansas. Shortly after, Kristian had begun to experience headaches and nausea. The pediatrician brushed off the symptoms, diagnosing them as allergies, acid reflux, or anxiety. For months, Kristian's parents were recurring patients at the doctor's office and he was dismissive. Finally, on a cool Monday in autumn, Kristian's kindergarten teacher called his mother and said she was seriously worried about Kristian. At the pediatrician's office the next day, the doctor saw Kristian and diagnosed him with a flexible flat foot. The parents demanded further testing, but bloodwork for muscular dystrophy came back negative. 

A few days later, Kristian began showing very worrying symptoms. His heart was racing, his eyes were going every which way, and he could not stay awake. His parents immediately rushed him to the local community hospital, where they were referred to the Le Bohneur Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Tired and frustrated, they rushed 80 miles from Jonesboro, Arkansas to Memphis. At that hospital, a CAT scan showed massive tumors throughout Kristian's brain stem along with a few on his spinal cord. Kristian had emergency brain surgery, but the tumors could not be removed.

Kristian was admitted to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, for 12 to 18 months of chemotherapy. Kristian's mom quit her job so she could be with Kristian, which has been a financial hardship and an additional burden during very tough times.

Hero's quote: "I am the world's greatest with the heart of a champion."

Sadly, Kristian passed away on September 2, 2018.
Updated September, 2018

Information provided by Christopher Silva, Kristian's father
March 2015