"All kids are incredible, but we just knew something was different about him from the day he was born."

On October 2, 2016, Alexander was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

However, his parents explain Alexander's illness never defined his short life. The next 8 months and 3 days were a testament to his strength and character.

"He just exemplified life... he's made a difference in my life for sure, I've learned a lot from that young man and he was only six years old," Alexander's father Dan says. "He was just an example for people to live life to the fullest."

"Alexander was an amazing big brother to Victoria and loved her with all his heart. He was very protective of her and always looked out for her. His soft heart couldn't handle if she cried, and he would cry as well. The love between them will never be forgotten, they were best friends."

Dan explains his son never complained but remained grateful and happy, even as the illness took its toll.

"He was my son, but he was also my best friend," Dan explains. "Most people will know him for his bear hugs... all of a sudden you're wrapped up in this kid... he was so full of love, full of joy."

Dan explains faith played a large role on their journey, as well as Alexander's.

"He loved Jesus and everybody around him, he was an example of what a true Christian is supposed to go out and do," Dan says.

Alexander and mom Janet. "Alexander taught everyone around him what it meant to live life for Jesus. He knew that Jesus lived in his heart and he wanted that for everyone. He frequently talked about heaven and had many dreams about it. Though our hearts ache, we find comfort in knowing that Alexander is with Jesus and finally got to give him a big bear hug."

Throughout the last year the prayer chain for the Sawatzky family stretched from Russia to South Africa and even Alaska, "people might think Prayer is cheap, we're living proof that prayer works," Dan says. "I'm not sitting at my home depressed, we're getting out and about."

"We could literally feel their prayers," mom, Janet says.

J.R Walkof held a balloon release ceremony in memory of Alexander. "It was nice to see the people he was in school with... God bless them. They were absolutely incredible. We are blown away by the staff of J.R Walkof and all the support we've received from the school in general."

Alexander Sawatzky passed away at the age of six on June 5th after an eight month battle with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma).

"Yes, there are hard times and there's still a lot of pain and obviously a huge void, my son was an absolutely incredible man," Dan says. "But we're moving forward and we're finding peace, love, and joy."

He notes scriptures that reference "peace beyond all understanding" is the only way to describe their situation.

"Honestly there's a lot of unanswered questions... in life, you go through hard times, but that doesn't have to determine who you are as a person."

The school created a memorial for Alexander at his school, commemorating his time at J.R Walkof