THE Chris Akunda Memorial Fund

Chris Sudi Akunda
Sept 8, 1996- June 6, 2009

In Appreciation

The Akunda family acknowledges with gratitude the immense support and encouragement extended to us by the Fishers SC Community following the passing of our beloved son Chris Akunda. We are deeply moved by the outpouring of kindness and comfort we have received over the past months. Special and heartfelt gratitude goes to Chris' team, the U-13 2008-2009 soccer team players, parents and coaches for being our family away from home and for continued support in numerous ways. Thanks to the Fishers SC travel soccer board for hosting the website notices, updates and continued support. Our sincere appreciation goes to the parents, coaches and players of the other Fishers travel soccer teams and to friends we met through the recreational league for their messages of hope, condolences and support and many other expressions of sympathy.

We have loved being part of the Fishers Soccer Club for the last few years and will forever treasure the memories.

May God bless you for your kindness.

At the request of the family, two funds have been established for the Akunda Family at Fifth Third Bank.

The Chris Akunda Donation Fund

fund to assist with immediate family expenses; including funeral expenses, and expenses incurred to fly family members over from Kenya

The Chris Akunda Memorial Fund

fund will support causes that were dear to Chris

Please identify which fund you would like contribute to.

Deposits can be made at any one of the banking offices, or you can mail your donation to:

The Chris Akunda Fund

c/o Fifth Third Bank

11662 Commecial Blvd.

Fishers, IN 46038

Chris Akunda

Chris Akunda currently played soccer in the travel program for Fishers Soccer club in the U 13 boys age division. He was 12 years old, but was playing up in his league due to his dedication and skills. Chris Akunda loved soccer. His life long goal was to play in the European soccer league and he worked toward that all the time.

He was a seventh grader at Hamilton Southeastern junior high where he was in advanced classes and excelled as a student. Responses from the community have been that Chris was full of life, had a great smile, great sense of humor and we have repeatedly heard that he loved soccer.

He was involved in the ODP (olympic development program) for soccer since 2007. He started playing soccer in North Carolina when he was four years old and has not stopped since then.

The Akunda's are originally from Kenya and came here 14 years ago to attend grad school. When they were in grad school Chris was born. They have lived in Fishers for five years.

Chris also played basketball for our local recreational league. He also played the piano. He had a passion for learning about foods and watched the food channel when no sports were showing.

Since Chris's death they have found out that he had a hereditary condition (awaiting confirmation of diagnosis) where a muscular part of the heart grows too big and gets in the way causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and syncope. It is a common cause of sudden death in young males. His parents were not aware of his condition, nor were there any indications of any health problems for Chris.

Chris has been with his current travel soccer team for two years. They were playing their last tournament of the season this weekend. In addition to his own team, Chris helped out many other teams as a substitute player and was always willing to help.

His team got together on Sunday afternoon for an hour with their parents at Brooks School park to share in their grief. They shared stories of Chris, wrote down fun memories and letters to him and and let off balloons together. And then of course, they played soccer.