MOUNT GREENWOOD — Seven-year-old Anthony Pappalas of Mount Greenwood, the boy behind Anthony's Avengers, has died.
Anthony succumbed to symptoms of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or DIPG, a type of brain disease, according a family member. A Facebook page set up to update friends and family members about Anthony's condition also confirmed his death late Thursday night.
Anthony was was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor that affects children between ages 5-7 on July 24, 2015. As the little boy with a contagious smile bravely battled the disease, the neighborhood rallied behind him.
Orange and gray ribbons were tied around trees, street poles and fences throughout the Far Southwest Side. Gray ribbons are for brain cancer awareness, and orange was Anthony's favorite color.
Friends and relatives calling themselves Anthony's Avengers held fundraisers and other events for Anthony as he underwent treatment. Anthony's favorite team of Marvel superheroes was the Avengers, and Iron Man is his favorite superhero.
"The mask he needs to wear during radiation treatments, we call it his Iron Man mask," said Katie Gaskin, Anthony's mother and a Beverly native.
Only 300 children are diagnosed each year with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in all of North America and Europe. Shortly after the diagnosis, Gaskin described the tumor as "one of the worst."
Anthony's tumor was detected as part of a routine eye exam ahead of ahead of enrolling in kindergarten at Mount Greenwood Elementary School. From there, the eye doctor recommended a specialist who made the diagnosis.
Visitation for Anthony is scheduled from 3-9 p.m. Monday at Blake Lamb Funeral Home at 4727 W. 103rd St. in suburban Oak Lawn. A mass will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Cajetan Church in Morgan Park.
Anthony will be buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in Anthony's name to Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation.
