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What can I say, Alexa Jade is the bravest little human I know with the strongest heart. Alexa was born on August 14, 2012 at 24 weeks gestation. My sister-in-law and myself were both pregnant with girls at the same time. Our girls were supposed to be born only a week apart. Unfortunately, Alexa's mom, Samantha, went into preterm labor and despite all efforts Alexa came into this world weighing in at 1 lb 1 oz by emergent c-section. My Alexa spent her first 4 months of life in an incubator at Banner Health's Cardon Children's Medical Center. Living with Alexa's parents at the time, I witnessed how hard it was to drive the 30+ miles from home to the hospital everyday just to see her and to make sure that she never felt abandoned.
Since then Alexa has had a total of 17 surgeries ranging from her shunts for the fluid build up in her brain, to her eyes and stomach. As for any family who goes through something similar, you can imagine how difficult it is to see your baby in a hospital bed time after time. Alexa was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. Aside from the emotional strain, Alexa's dad, Carlos, is the sole income of their family of 5. Sam is a stay-at-home mom who chooses to stay home and care for Alexa to make sure she receives the best care possible. Alexa's most recent surgery a week ago was brain surgery to clear a blocked shunt that was causing random spasm in her legs and unusual behavior. If it wasn't for Sam knowing her daughter so well and noticing these minor signs she may have gotten worse and may not have gotten the surgery in time to help her.
Alexa has the best personality and is a constant joy in our lives. She amazes me everyday because she is a fighter! I ask if you could please find it in your hearts to help my niece and her family with some of the financial burden that comes with having to care for a loved one with special needs. There is a need here to make sure that my Alexa gets everything she ever needs and deserves. She has gone through hell and back and always with a smile. If you are unable to donate, please, please, please share to anyone who is willing to take the time and get to know Alexa's story. Her story that is just only beginning and only getting brighter! Thank you for your time. - Ashley
Since then Alexa has had a total of 17 surgeries ranging from her shunts for the fluid build up in her brain, to her eyes and stomach. As for any family who goes through something similar, you can imagine how difficult it is to see your baby in a hospital bed time after time. Alexa was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. Aside from the emotional strain, Alexa's dad, Carlos, is the sole income of their family of 5. Sam is a stay-at-home mom who chooses to stay home and care for Alexa to make sure she receives the best care possible. Alexa's most recent surgery a week ago was brain surgery to clear a blocked shunt that was causing random spasm in her legs and unusual behavior. If it wasn't for Sam knowing her daughter so well and noticing these minor signs she may have gotten worse and may not have gotten the surgery in time to help her.
Alexa has the best personality and is a constant joy in our lives. She amazes me everyday because she is a fighter! I ask if you could please find it in your hearts to help my niece and her family with some of the financial burden that comes with having to care for a loved one with special needs. There is a need here to make sure that my Alexa gets everything she ever needs and deserves. She has gone through hell and back and always with a smile. If you are unable to donate, please, please, please share to anyone who is willing to take the time and get to know Alexa's story. Her story that is just only beginning and only getting brighter! Thank you for your time. - Ashley
Organizer and beneficiary
Samantha Lopez
Beneficiary