A dramatization of the book aired as an ABC special, starring Gennie James as Alex, Craig T. “She should have been diagnosed when she was born.”Īlexandra’s death was chronicled in Deford’s 1982 book, Alex: The Life of a Child. “She was sick almost from the day she was born,” Frank told the Washington Post in 1986. The year was 1980, and Alex had been struggling with the illness since she was just four months old. #3: Alex: The Life of a Child by Frank Deford #Kindle /TeQ6Q66nerįrank and Carol’s daughter, Alexandra, died from cystic fibrosis at age 9. Frank Deford’s Daughter Died of Cystic Fibrosis at Age 9 Read on to learn more about Frank Deford’s family.ġ. Deford was voted for Sportswriter of the Year six times over the course of his career, and was voted for Magazine Writer of the Year twice by the Washington Journalism Review. He is also a member of the National Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame. His daughter, Alexandra, passed away as a child in 1980.Īn illustrious author, Deford wrote 18 books over the course of his career. Frank Deford is survived by his wife and their two surviving children, Scarlet and Christian. Carol Deford confirmed his death to the Washington Post on Monday, adding that he passed away in their Key West home. (Getty)įrank Deford, the prolific sports writer and commentator, died on Sunday at age 78. Deford is recognized for transforming how we think about sports. President Barack Obama (R) presents a 2012 National Humanities Medal to National Humanities Medal to writer Frank Deford during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Jin Washington, DC.

Alex by Frank Deford