Exalted Ruler Ron Brusato and Alexis Booth at State Convention 2010 |
Alexis Nichole Booth born April 5, 1992 at 2 lbs 7 oz.
When Alexis was only one month old she developed paralysis on the left side of her body. Bewildered by what was happening the doctors ordered many tests. They found she had cysts growing in her brain stem and cervical spine. At the rate the cysts were growing she most likely would have been stillborn had she not been born early. Alexis' first little miracle.
When she was only three pounds she had her first major brain surgery to remove the cysts. It was successful an she regained all movement. Everyone thought they would never return. Her first follow-up MRI proved everyone wrong. After thirteen major surgeries and three years of hospitals, her parents decided enough was enough, they took Alexis home to play and have fun, until the end which could come at any time.
Due to her own strength and the support around her, Alexis thrived. Kaiser referred her to CHEMPI at one year old. Mindy Gulley, Occupational Therapist, and the Elks have been with her for seventeen years helping her through her hardships. Her whole family is grateful to Mindy for being there for Alexis and helping her thrive against all odds.
Alexis is here to teach us all about the importance of life. She teaches us to reach for the stars while knowing and accepting our limitations. What a gift it is to understand your own trials of life and fully accepting them and having true happiness.
If only we all could learn from Alexis and really know that the true gift of life is life itself. We as Elks can all be proud of the important work we do when we donate to Major Project - Purple Pig.
When someone from our Lodge asks you to support our Purple Pig Project (Major Project) I hope you will remember Alexis Booth, and all the other children we have helped over the years, and continue to give generously. |
