A note from Alex’s mom, Susie.

In January, 1999, my daughter Alex succumbed to Osteogenic Sarcoma, a childhood bone cancer. Her battle lasted for 13 months. With 22 chemos, a leg amputation, lung surgery, blood transfusions and numerous hospitalizations, she was still courageous and bold enough to continue to fight for victims of cancer and other disabling medical conditions.

At 17, a month before she died, Alex was able to participate in the making of a Public Service Announcement which was the wish she was granted by the Make A Wish Foundation of Michigan. Her message was as simple as it was important: “We’re just kids like you, so the next time you see someone who has cancer or looks a little different, try a smile, we could use it”. Alex viewed the completed video just one day before she died. With tears streaming down her face, she removed her oxygen mask and said in a very low voice “It’s Perfect”.

At her funeral two days later, those attending were asked, rather than a tribute or flowers, to do a good deed in Alex’s memory. A few individuals stepped forward to honor this challenge by creating “Team Alex”.

To date “Team Alex” has raised enough for the Make A Wish Foundation of Michigan to grant nearly 550 Wishes in Alex’s memory. In doing so they perpetuate the ideals that Alex so firmly believed in. Additionally, the money raised provides needed funding which gives children with life threatening medical conditions and their families a respite from the daily trials of chemos, injections, blood transfusions and hospitalizations that are always a part of their daily lives.

Your support assures that Team Alex can continue to achieve Tikkun Olam, repairing the world.

As Team Alex prepares for its 24th Make A Wish ride, it is clear that the “Wind Beneath our Wings” is our precious supporters. Thank you for your continued support.