Alea’s Life & Legacy

Alea coped with her diagnosis and relapses by writing poetry and providing others a glimpse into her life in the book:

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU CANCER

books can be purchased & proceeds go to BH2U

Alea was passionant and became a voice in her community, her state, and even speaking to representatives in Washington DC during CureFest.  Childhood Cancer funding for less toxic treatments were her battle cry for change.

Alea was more than a Champion, she changed lives.  Alea was able to connect with people on a level that instantly put them at ease.  She connected a community to make a difference by being inclusive, accepting, and  aspiring under circumstances beyond  her control.

Alea loved learning, her teachers, classmates, and friends.  Her bravery  and commitment to accessibilty,and equnity was evident with a classroom robot that remains  at the high school to assist students who cannot attend school.

Alea would not let cancer define her, especially after her surgery that left her disabled.  Alea adored Adaptive Sports Conection, and with support, she continued to snowboard, kayak, bike ride, sail and gain confidence to try new activities.

Before Alea was diagnosed, she was planning on becoming a biomedical engineer to create prosthetics  that would be more efficient for her friends in Best Buddies.  She continued to volunteer with Special Olympics and Best Budddies because they were her support as much as she was theirs.

Alea loved penguins.  It was almost an obsession,   Each inpatient stay at the hospital meant she would receive another stuffed penguin.  She also  traveled to Australia to meet her favorite species of penguins- the little fairy blue. Penguins motivated her to waddle on through every treatment.

Alea was adored and loved by her family and she gave every ounce of love given to her, back to others,  Every one she met, in some way, large or small, became  like family.  Emma, Mason and Laiken were her best siblings and supporters. Her four dogs never left her side.

Alea loved her friends and her friends loved her.  Without the support and unconditional respect, Alea’s cancer diagnosis would have been unbearable. A scholarship will be awarded each year to a student that shows “A Heart of Gold” by going above and beyond compassion, empathyy, and  friendship.