Jackson Lawrence Palmer

Jackson Lawrence Palmer of Fishers, IN, died on Sunday, January 25, 2009, surrounded by his family. Jackson was eight years old and had been battling desmoplastic small round cell tumor cancer since 2006.

Jackson was an energetic, brave child who lived life to the fullest — choosing to make the most out of every minute of every day. Even throughout the past three years while he endured several surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, Jackson amazed everyone around him with his abundance of energy and enthusiasm for life.

Jackson was a member of the Fishers Cub Scout Pack 108, the Upward Cobras basketball team, and he attended Hoosier Road Elementary School. Throughout his childhood, Jackson enjoyed superheroes, watching and playing all sports, playing with his friends and cousins and visiting his two favorite vacation destinations — Cocoa Beach, Fl., and Rough River Lake in Kentucky. He also excelled in school and loved math. In particular, he liked receiving and counting money!

Jackson is survived by his parents, Paul and Alison Palmer of Fishers, IN, and his younger sister, Olivia. Also surviving him are his grandparents, The Rev. Larry and Marilane Becker of Evansville, Ind., and Jim and Carol Palmer of Evansville. Jackson also is survived by his aunts, uncles and cousins: Karen and Joe Eisha of Crete, Ill., and their children Sara Grace and Joseph; Julia Becker of New York City; Jeff and Karon Palmer of Owensboro, Ky., and their children, Benjamin and Taylor; and Leslie Palmer of Sun Prairie, Wisc.

In Evansville, visitation will be held Saturday, January 31, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John's East UCC at 7000 Lincoln Ave. A service will be at the church at 3 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Kenneth Townsend.

While only eight and a half years long, Jackson's life touched many people, especially in the past three years as his story reached across the world via the Internet. Somehow, he had the ability to touch people's souls in a way that is unexplainable. He will be deeply missed, but we take comfort knowing that he is no longer ill and that he is now at peace. To learn more about Jackson, please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacksonpalmer.

We appreciate all of the continued prayers, support and love we have received since Jackson was diagnosed. Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to The American Cancer Society or to the Jackson Palmer Donation Fund, 11261 Falling Water Way, Fishers, IN 46037. Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.