VICTOR MANUEL ALVAREZ

VICTOR MANUEL ALVAREZ
McALLEN - Victor Manuel Alvarez, 23, passed away Tuesday, August 17 at his home in McAllen from complications of spinal muscular atrophy. Victor was born October 21, 1986 near San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and has lived in McAllen since 1996. He graduated from McAllen High School in 2006 and was a Bill Gates Millennium Scholar at the University of Texas Pan American where he would have graduated in May 2011 with degrees in history and general studies (philosophy, political science and art).
Victor was born with spinal muscular atrophy. Despite severe physical limitations, he was an artist, a poet, and an inspirational speaker. From 2005 through 2007, he wrote a popular column for The Monitor called "Victor's Voice." In 2004, he was the first wheel-chair bound delegate in the 20-year history of the National Hispanic Institute to attend its prestigious Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. On the first day, the delegates elected Victor to be their governor-the top leadership position. Victor was named the 2008 Client of the Year by the State Independent Living Council and in 2009 was the featured guest speaker for the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education.
Victor is survived by his adoptive mother, Elva Yolanda Morado of Edinburg, his birth mother Maria Roberta Alvarez (Pastor Pagoda) of Galveston, sisters Maria Graciela Loredo Alvarez of Galveston, and Juana Maria Loredo Alvarez of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also survived by his "volunteer" mothers: Mary Cloud and Elizabeth Gearhart of McAllen, Christina Garcia of McAllen, Anna Navarro of Mission, and Graciela Puente of Donna, many generous loving people who helped provide and support his 24-hour care and a host of friends and admirers.
Victor's life will be celebrated at a memorial service Saturday, August 21, at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 104 South 12th, McAllen, followed by (at Victor's special request) a potluck at El Rocio Retreat 2519 South Inspiration Road, Mission at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, you are invited to contribute to a trust fund in Victor's memory which will support a scholarship for a McAllen High School student and donations to Comfort House, Su Casa de Esperanza and SMASupport. You can send your donations to First Presbyterian Church/Victor Alvarez Fund, Box 1029, McAllen, TX 78505.
Ric Brown Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries