Lewyn Blasko

Lewyn Isaiah Blasko, beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away Sept. 3, 2024, from complications of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). He was 10. He was surrounded by family, including his parents, grandparents and loyal dog, Rex.

Lewyn was born June 28, 2014, in South Bend, Indiana, to Erin Blasko and Radmila Ragimbekov. A lifelong Mishawaka resident, he loved reading, particularly the “Dog Man,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Goosebumps” books; puzzles, Legos and other games; Godzilla, including the movies and action figures; and playing with friends. His favorite shows were “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Bob’s Burgers”; his favorite foods soft pretzels, pizza, pasta, french fries, ice cream, hot dogs and Takis. He loved the zoo, particularly the reptiles. His favorite was Smiley, the American alligator. He also loved the water and was a determined swimmer. A natural performer with an active imagination, he enjoyed reenacting scenes from his favorite movies, frequently going on for 30 minutes or longer.

Lewyn attended Walt Disney Elementary School, where he learned to read and write and add and subtract. He enjoyed recess and show-and-tell. He was a bright and curious student. He excelled at reading and math, and he loved to count. He once counted to 150,000 over several days. In recognition of his outstanding performance in and out of the classroom, he was named “Dolphin of the Quarter” three times. He loved his teachers and aides and they loved him back.

Lewyn was a joy to behold. He had a bright, toothy smile and an infectious laugh. Dimpled cheeks and full lips. Big, beautiful brown eyes. Perfect hands for holding. He was sensitive and deeply curious. He loved to laugh and run and play and make silly faces. He could lift you up with a smile or take you down with a biting remark, but charm you either way. From his dad, he inherited a quick temper and a competitive spirit. From his mom, a kind heart and a generous character. He was a rule follower, for better and worse. He had a sharp sense of humor and a sharper wit. He was goofy in all of the best ways. A natural explorer, he was the ideal travel companion, eager to experience new places and create lasting memories.

On March 30, 2022, after months of tests and visits with doctors and specialists, he was diagnosed with childhood cerebral ALD, a rare brain disease that affects the adrenal gland and central nervous system. Resulting from an X-linked gene mutation, childhood cerebral ALD is the most severe form of ALD, characterized by normal development in early childhood followed by rapid degeneration to a vegetative state. C-ALD affects 1 in 21,000 boys.

The disease progressed with devastating speed. In quick succession, he lost his vision, followed by his ability to walk, talk, laugh, smile — even cry. He was soon confined to a wheelchair, dependent on a feeding tube for nourishment. Even so, with help from teachers and others, he completed two more years of school. And he never complained, not once. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, his strength and perseverance revealing an inner bravery at odds with the pain and suffering he endured. The sun will never shine so bright, the breeze will never blow so cool without him. Our sweet, beautiful boy. Our Hero.

The family is grateful beyond measure to the staff of Walt Disney Elementary School, Beacon Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Multi-Specialty, Riley Children’s Hospital, M Health Fairview, Ronald McDonald House of the Upper Midwest and the Center for Hospice Care for their collective love and support. Also, to countless family, friends and strangers.

Lewyn is survived by his parents; his grandparents, Chingiz and Renada Ragimbekov of South Bend, Indiana, and Terry Daniels of Osceola, Indiana; his uncles, Ryan (Cristal) Blasko of Louisville, Kentucky, Ruslan Ragimbekov of Mishawaka, and Michael (Vera) Yeselevich of South Bend; and his cousins, Brant and Nick (Aaliyah) Blasko of Mishawaka, and Felice Blasko of Bristol, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Kristin Daniels; his grandfather Anthony J. Blasko Jr.; his aunt Fira Ragimbekova; and his great-grandmother Mira Yeselevich.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at McGann Hay Granger Chapel, 13260 Indiana 23, Granger, Indiana. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A private burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Center for Hospice Care, Riley Children’s Hospital, Beacon Children’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House Charities.