Boy Who Inspired ‘Team Noah’ Passes Away

SouthcoastToday.com reported that Noah Fernandes passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016. The 14-year-old was "diagnosed with melas, one of the most severe forms of mitochondrial disease. It "keeps cells from functioning properly."

Noah attended to Schwartz Center for Children after suffering a stroke at age 5. "At age 11, he suffered a massive stroke that left him unable to smile, speak or move." Upon hearing news of Noah's passing, The Schwartz Center released this statement: "our hearts are very heavy today. Noah was a child who defined our community at The Schwartz Center. He was the inspiration for Christine and Victor to create the Team Noah Foundation that has helped so many children and families in our community. Our thoughts and love are with Christine, Victor and their entire family."

The Team Noah Foundation wrote on the web site, "Our eyes were opened to something that we would never have noticed if not for the gift that God had given us by the name of Noah."

Mayor Jon Mitchell praised Fernandes, his parents and the foundation for their incredible work. "He was a beautiful boy who persevered under the most difficult of circumstances. My prayers are with Victor and Christine [Noah's parents] during this very difficult time. Noah and his family were an inspiration to many.'' "Team Noah grew from a small group to an outright movement in our city to support children with developmental disabilities."

The Team Noah Foundation is funding the construction of a playground equipped for children with disabilities on Popes Island, which is set to begin this Spring. Dedicated to Noah, it will now serve as "a tremendous legacy of his life,'' Mitchell said. Contributions to the playground can be made at TeamNoahFoundation.org.