Mother's sacrifice ... Woman dies day after pushing son to safety

Story in part by Helen Gao and Debbi Farr Baker
Photos by PEGGY PEATTIE
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Just a few days ago, Deysi Araux and her husband, Javier Anaya, marked the second birthday of their youngest child, Steven.

On February 28, 2008, Araux, 21, died at Scripps Mercy Hospital after her family took her off life support. Steven was released from Rady Children's Hospital. He is alive because his mother pushed him out of the way when she saw an out-of-control car bearing down on them.

A motorist with failing brakes struck the pair in the parking lot of their apartment complex Tuesday on Logan Avenue in southeastern San Diego, police said.

Relatives gathered around Araux's hospital bed yesterday, discussing whether to take her off life support and donate her organs, family members said. They made the decision late yesterday afternoon, said Steven's grandmother, Luz America Morales.

He's alive because his mother pushed him out of the way when she saw an out-of-control car coming at them.

She sacrificed herself for Steven,” said Jesus Gonzalez, 12, Araux's cousin, who witnessed part of the accident.

Jesus said Araux was an endearing aunt.

“She likes doing stuff for other people,” he said. “If you say something, she just goes and gets it, even if you are joking.”

Bryan Amparo, a neighbor, described Araux as someone who was always happy.

“She loved her children,” Amparo said. “She was always patient.”

Araux and her husband have another son, Javier Jr., 5.

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