Stacey Simmons

We were blessed with our special girl, Stacey on October 6, 1982. We soon discovered that our Stacey girl suffered from a rare genetic disorder, Alfi's Syndrome which affects the 9th chromosome. Stacey's early years were filled with operations, therapy and doctors appointments but as she grew, her light became stronger and stronger and the impact she had on others was great.

On September 2nd Stacey suffered a brain aneurysm but once again beat the odds. Shortly after however, she had another surgery from which she never recovered. Stacey turned 30 in the ICU unit on October 6th and over 100 people came to help her celebrate a day she was so looking forward to. We will be forever touched by the love shown to Stacey that day. Stacey took her light to shine with the Angels on Tuesday, October 9th.

There are many people to thank for their part in Stacey's life. All of the wonderful teachers in AISD and the Go Project that pushed her to be the best she could be. All of her friends from the Best Buddies Program that allowed her to be herself and have "Stacey Fun". The staff at Chili’s Brodie Oaks for embracing Stacey for 9 years. The staff at Visible Changes for keeping her looking glamorous, friends of The Adventures Academy of Lifelong Learning, the 9P- Chromosome Network, her fun, energetic and cool recreation therapists Jessica, Chelsea, Cara, and Jole that have meant more to this family than anyone will ever know and all of the doctors that provided care for Stacey throughout her life.

Stacey was a shining light with an infectious smile and a childlike innocence that drew people to her. Everyone that knew Stacey loved her. She had a wonderful sense of humor, always wanted everyone to be happy and lived to please her mommy and daddy. Stacey loved her Longhorns, all her Happy Hook-er Tailgate friends and all the wonderful fans she sat next to at the stadium for years. Stacey had a great love for cats and when once asked what she would do in this world if she could she said she would rid it of bullies. Stacey was fortunate to be able to take countless trips with her parents to discover the fun this life has to offer but loved coming home…her favorite place to be. She told her parents almost everyday “I love my life”.

Stacey is survived by her parents Sibley and Dianne Cochran Simmons along with her aunts and uncles Debbie Cochran, Celeste and Jeffrey Elder and Teri and Steve Cochran. She is also survived by numerous cousins. Stacey was also blessed with forever sisters Ashley, Angela, Sarah, Jessica, Chelsea, Cara, Tati and Regina and her best friend, her cat, Samantha. Stacey had more friends than anyone could ever imagine and it was her light that drew them in.

Stacey was preceded in death by her grandmothers Helen Cochran and Jewel Simmons, grandfathers James Cochran and Norman Simmons, Aunts Margie Walker and Donnette Moses, uncle Ronnie Montgomery and cousin Danny Faulkner.

The family wants to especially thank Dr. Stanley Kim for all his care and attention to our Stacey along with all of the doctors and nurses in St. David's ICU. Your care and compassion for not only Stacey but her family was amazing. We will never forget you.

Donations may be made in Stacey's honor to The Adventures Academy of Lifelong Learning, 7106 Shadywood Drive, Austin, Texas 78745 (www.Austin adventurers.org) or the Chromosome 9p- Network, P. O. Box 524, Appleton, WI 54912 (http://www.9pminus.org/).

Services will be held on Friday, October 12, 2012 at 11:00 AM, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home’s Colonial Chapel, 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, where everyone is asked to wear pink or purple for Stacey. Burial will follow immediately at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks, 6300 West William Cannon Dr, Austin, Texas. Following burial, the family invites you to Stacey's home for a Celebration of Stacey’s Life.