Nash Avery Wicka

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Wicka, Nash Avery Nash Avery Wicka was a Rockstar! He was game for anything, and his parents Angie and Tom, his sister Coco, and Kari, his life-long nanny and friend, helped him to make it happen every day of his life. Nash was born in May, 1999, with big brown eyes and a big beautiful dimple, and he left us unexpectedly on April 29, at a high time in his life. At the age of four, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a muscle wasting disease which meant that Nash would have a limited time to live life to the fullestbut he did. No trip in the car was too short to take Nash along, no planning was too difficult to make sure Nash had new experiences. By 8, he was getting around with the aid of a gogo scooter, and drove like a pro. By twelve, Nash had moved on to a wheelchair, but nothing changed. Arranging travel was complicated, but not enough to prevent traveling to places they all loved. With his family, he visited the great cities of the U.S. and Europe, Safaried in Africa, and often returned to his vacation home in Bighorn. He took art lessons, researched the latest cars, collected cool music, was the DJ of choice, and carried on knowing conversations with kids and adults about movies, contemporary art, and food! Nash started school at Groves Academy in second grade, and it was the perfect fit. Notes from teachers were not uncommon, stating Nash was always chatting up new students, and making them feel welcome. Two weeks ago, now a junior in high school, Nash received the BEN Award (Be Extra Nice), given to the kindest student at Groves. He had been invited to prom, but since he wouldn't be able to go, the students voted unanimously to postpone the prom, and instead, hold a vigil service for Nash. On Monday, the flag flew at half-mast at Groves. Nash was a hip dresser, and he and his good friend, Hans, studied fashion online, even buying and selling the hottest fashion pieces, and they visited cool vintage shops to find the most collectible pieces. Like everything he did, Nash took great joy in what he could do, and didn't waste time on what he couldn't. His limited movement, his inability to scratch his nose or to raise his arms, was never a source of complaint. Nash may have had limited movement, but you should have seen him roll those shoulders to dance when the music started. Angie and Tom were truly hand-picked by God to raise their exceptional son. They gave him their time, their interest, their love. No effort was too difficult so life could be easier or more accessible for Nash, but, they made sure he toed the line, was polite and grateful, and teased him to make life fun. Coco, his sister was a Rockstar in her own right, by helping her brother with many things that a young woman might not be expected to do. She did so without complaint, and her brother knew she loved him, as he loved her. I asked Angie if he ever lamented his limitations, and she said no. He loved where he was in life, and that contented attitude made everyone better for having known him. His courage of overcoming staggering difficulties, and still being the happy, young man he was, was a teaching moment and a gift to all whom he met on his journey. Thank you, Nashwe will always be grateful for your presence in our lives, and we will sorely miss you. When Nash was six, and his legs were starting to fail, he was having difficulty keeping up with other kids. When his dad said he was sorry, Nash promptly replied, "That's ok, daddy, when I am up in heaven, I'll be able to run like the wind!". I can see him now. Run, Nashie, run! Written by his loving grandmother, Sunny Wicka. - A celebration of his life will begin at the Basilica of St Mary, Hennepin Avenue at 17th St, Minneapolis, Saturday, May 6th at 7pm (The service is open and welcomes all). The family welcomes you to join them for refreshments, food and the sharing of stories of Nash immediately following the service at the Loring Social Event Space directly across the street at 1629 Hennepin Ave. - We encourage full families to attend both events. - In lieu flowers, The Wicka family ask you consider a donation in his name to the Nash Avery Foundation (501c3) to continue support Duchene Muscular Dystrophy treatment research. - Nash Avery Foundation c/o Birch Cove - 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 2500 Minneapolis 55402 Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on May 5, 2017