Diego Miguel Summers

Diego Miguel Summers of Roslindale passed away on January 30, 2016 at age 11, following a courageous 7-month battle with cancer.
Diego was the beloved son of Nancy Prieto and James Summers. Loving brother of James, Kiana and Kiara. He is also survived by his large and loving extended family and many friends.

Hundreds of family and friends braved a winter storm to come together as Diego's Funeral Mass was celebrated on February 5, 2016 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help "Mission Church" on Tremont St. in Boston.

Diego's family would sincerely appreciate contributions in his memory to Children's Cancer Research Fund
ATTN: Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund
7301 Ohms Lane, Suite 355 Minneapolis, MN 55439.

Interment will be private.

Diego is an inspiration for us all. He was diagnosed with Cancer on July 5th, 2015 and though he was really scared he never gave up on living, not even when life was leaving his body. He fought a really tough battle, as he gave his last breaths here on earth he held on for four hours as he told his mom "I don't want to leave you guys". Diego was incredibly courageous for an eleven year child, and he demonstrated that courage on the last day of school as he attended the entire day though his lungs (his whole body really) was already beginning to fail him.

Diego was an avid soccer player since the age of four. There was nothing else he loved more than playing with that ball and his teammates on that field, even on the worst of days at Millenium Park. He was following in his brother's footsteps by wanting to become a football player in middle school, he idolized his brother so much. Their bond was unbreakable as was evident when Diego passed away and his brother would not leave him in the room alone after he was ready to be taken away.

Math was his favorite subject as was proven in his MCAS math scores with a perfect score and subsequent excellent scores on the PAARC exam. He loved reading and had many favorites, one in particular which up until a few short weeks ago his mom read him: "Dear Bunny: a bunny love story" where he relished the love between Teeny and Tino - much like he relished the love he and his mom shared. He became a Star Wars nut this past winter watching all the films in anticipation of the latest film, he enjoyed them so much!

He was such a great friend to so many, but in particular he had some really wonderful best friends who will surely miss him as the family witnessed when they said their goodbyes to him on Saturday moments before he began to slip away. Markie D., John K., Michael P., Nate S., Brady R. will forever be touched by his presence and love - they were his best friends. He was loved by so many as it has been shown by the outpouring of love and support by the communities in Weston, West Roxbury and Roslindale.

Diego was an incredibly special little boy, not only good natured but also sweet and caring. As he lay in bed the day before he became an angel he told his mom how sad he felt for his best friend Michael. His friend had been crying and was incredibly sad to see him in such a state, in true form Diego worried about his beloved Michael instead of his own failing self. This is who he truly was, a caring and genuine human being who was taken away too early to become an angel.

This is a quote from Diego's favorite story - "Dear Bunny: a bunny love story": by Michaela Morgan

"especially for you
hope warm wishes and sunshiney thoughts for the sweetest best most tender love
you are so lovely
so beautiful
oh so very exceptionally sweet and perfect
Please accept me"

All of the adjectives used in this story resonate so much because they describe him, loved and accepted by so many he was.