Brad Petersen

Memorials may be made to Make A Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Mid America Transplant Association or the National Kidney Foundation. PETERSEN, Brad, St. Charles, MO, February 28, 2007 age 23; cherished son of Larry and Mary Ann Petersen; dear brother of Matt Petersen; beloved grandson of Henry and Dorothy Petersen and the late Ray and Agnes Bernsen. Brad was a loved nephew, cousin and friend to many. Brad was a graduate of Francis Howell Central, class of 2002. He also attended St. Charles County Community College. He loved to cook (especially desserts) and could kick anybody's butt at video games. First off, we lost Brad last night. He collapsed and died from cardiac arrest as he was coming off his dialysis treatment. This horrific desease Brad fought so valiantly for the past 23 years, has finally won. Brad can finally rest in peace; no more surgeries, no more cuts, no more sticks, no more stitches, no more massive immuno suppressant treatments, no more catheters; no more pain and suffering. For everyone that hadn't heard, Brad's new kidney (5th transplant) shut down last August. A biopsy revealed a very rare condition caused by massive amounts of small calcium oxylate crystals that blocked up the collection tubes within the kidney. The doctors were optimistic that with a special diet and heavy bicarb dialysis four times per week, the condition could be corrected. Several biopsies over the past 6 months showed no improvement; the last biopsy 4 weeks ago showed major scarring (80% +) and the verdict was, the kidney had no chance to recover. Brad's body and pysch just wore down. He couldn't win the fight. Brad was a very unique individual. I don't believe this is slanted because Brad was my son; but he was one of the truly nice people in the world. Somehow, he kept his innocence and purity through all the bad things that kept happening to him. He just never could understand people being ignorant or mean, especially when it was directed at him due to his size and stature. Brad was brilliant, intuitive, fun, a master of video games and word puzzles, someone given a chance could have mastered anything, and above all, a great son. Even in his worst moments, Brad was always at least 5 steps ahead of me. Mary Ann not only lost a son, but also her best friend. Somehow, someway, she kept Brad alive all these years. She learned and excelled at so many critical medical tasks no parent should ever have to do to their child; but whatever it took to get him out, or keep him out of hospitals, she did unselfishly. Brad was so fortunate to have so many great friends and family that stuck with him through all the bad times. I know Brad really appreciated all the cards, e mails, calls, thoughts and especially the prayers over the years. Mary Ann and I are deeply appreciative of the past and current support from so many people. Brad got to meet his idol, David Eckstein, this fall and finally see his beloved St. Louis Cardinals win their first world series of his lifetime. Brad was able to see several playoff games last fall, thanks to David, but unfortunately didn't feel well enough to attend the world series clincher. Thanks David for being Brad's friend. Again, Mary Ann and I want to thank everyone for their support and help! We were also fortunate to share another Christmas with him. Brad, we miss you! As hard as it is on all us, we know you are in a much better place. Larry Petersen