Alejandro Pablo Del Real

Reflection of Life

Our precious angel, Alejandro “Ale” Del Real, was gifted to us on June 25th, 2022 in Tallahassee, FL. And God called him home on June 15th, 2026.

As soon as he entered this world, Ale fought like the warrior he is! He was born with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD), a genetic chronic kidney disease in which 1 in 3 babies do not survive their first month of life. Ale was life flighted to UF Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, FL and his first week of life involved the removal of his left kidney, the placement of his peritoneal dialysis catheter, and the commencement of dialysis treatments. During the following four months, Ale’s second kidney was removed, he continued dialysis, and graduated from the NICU months earlier than doctors predicted. He is even one of the few, if not only, pediatric nephrology patients at UF Shands without a feeding tube. In other words, Ale showed the world early on how unstoppable he is!

Although Ale was in and out of the hospital for the following 4 years, he was happy and full of life! His contagious smile and adorable laugh melted the hearts of everyone who witnessed it. His favorite song was “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” and his favorite movie was Toy Story. He shared his Mama’s love for The Office and loved characters like Elmo, Bluey, Mickey Mouse, Spider-Man, Maui and of course Buzz Lightyear! He shared his Papi’s love of handiwork and his favorite toy was his toolbox. Because Ale’s condition weakened his bones, he was never able to walk. Limited in mobility, Ale became an expert on electronics! He always shocked his nurses and medical staff on how well-versed he was with the tablet and phone. Ale would FaceTime people all the time but would be just as quick to press that red button and hang up so he can call the next person. And he was famous for his luscious hair, sometimes called the “Fabio Baby” in the PICU at UF Shands.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at UF Shands Children’s Hospital, specially the PICU and Dialysis units, for their incredible care to Ale and our family; and a very special thanks to Ale’s pediatric nephrologist, Dr. Larry Shoemaker for taking care of Ale since the day he was born and making himself available at any time. Most importantly, the family wants to thank his wonderful home healthcare nurses, two of which became family: Washita Jackson and Khaliah Jeelan Butler.

Ale is survived by his Papi, Alejandro Enrique Del Real; his Mama, Yaineli Valdes; his big sister, Isabella Alessandra Del Real; his baby brother, Liam Alexander Del Real; his paternal grandmother, aka “Mom”, Sonia Del Carmen Velasquez; his maternal grandmother, aka “Mima”, Mailen Hajjar; his paternal grandfather, Alejandro Del Real Gonzales; his favorite cousin, Angelina Yailen Veleta; his cousin, Jose Manuel Cordoba, Jr; his cousins, Melanie Marie Cordoba and Dominic Anthony Cordoba; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives who loved Ale so very much.

Ale, you will never be forgotten! We love you to infinity and beyond!!!!