Princess Alexa

Welcome to Alexa's Website!



Alexa's story begins at the age of 6 on June 23, 2002 on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. While on vacation, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Just a little over 24 hours, 4 hospitals, 2 ambulance rides and 2 medic airplanes later we began treatment at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. After a 2 year ALL treatment protocol Alexa was given a clean bill of health and released. During that time, Alexa was chosen as the Children's Miracle Network Champion for Riley Children's Hospital in Indiana. One Champion was selected from each state. She told her story far & wide and her audiences included doctors, nurses, state and county organizations, all media-related events (television, radio), a group of 15,000 at the Georgia Dome on behalf of the American Cancer Society and the President of the United States himself...President George W. Bush. Sadly enough 4 months later, on January 17, 2005 at the age of 8 Alexa relapsed and the leukemia once again returned. We immediately began 3 blocks of intense chemotherapy followed by one week of full body radiation done 3 times a day. A Stem Cell/bone marrow transplant immediately followed on May 31, 2005 with our son, Alexa's brother, Connor as the "perfect match." Alexa made it through transplant without any Graft vs. Host disease and amazed the doctors. 7 months later (age 9), December 1, 2005 we found out the cancer has returned again. We have started reinduction chemotherapy treatments and have a few options if Alexa's body can stay strong. We have again experienced yet another relapse (May 2006) and her current treatment is not responding. Her hair has fallen out five times and she has endured too many to mention spinal taps and bone marrow aspirations. She is a gentle soul
--I think she is an angel.

A trust fund has been established through our church for those of you who would like to make a contribution to help defray the cost of the medical, prescription, procedures not covered by insurance, homecare costs and loss of wages mounting over the last 4 years from time off of work to be in the hospital and for homecare that are crucial to take care of Alexa.
Please make checks payable to:
The Alexa Shank Trust Fund and mail all checks to:
Tabernacle Christian Church
Attn: Alexa Shank Trust Fund
198 N. Water St., Franklin IN 46131
317-736-5088 Thank you & God Bless You


THE DONATIONS GENEROUSLY GIVEN HAVE AND WILL PAY FOR MEDICAL, PRESCRIPTION, LOSS OF WAGES FROM TIME-OFF FROM WORK TAKING CARE OF ALEXA--EVEN WITH INSURANCE THERE IS NO WAY TO COVER WHAT ALEXA HAS BEEN THROUGH--WE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS AND FULLY INTEND TO PAY ALL BLESSINGS "FORWARD" IN A BIG WAY IN HONOR OF ALEXA AND CONNOR.

Journal

Sunday, September 7, 2008 6:01 PM CDT

What to say...what to say. We're approachng the 2 year mark. 9/29/08 at 7:17 am. So many things remind me of Alexa. Both Chris and I have said that we need to keep a journal to write all of the random thoughts down that just come in and out of our minds on a daily basis. Before we know it we could probably compile a book.

My job at Riley is going very well and it is so very rewarding to know that the funds I raise for the hospital and for continuing research can help other children with battles of their own that they must fight.

Chris is job seeking as he was laid off, however he has some very good leads. Let's hope they come around soon. Perhaps GOD has plans to reposition him so that he can be the most he was made to be and that he will be able to give back to others. Chris's birthday is tomorrow!

Connor is still Connor (age 14). Doing very well in school. Doesn't talk about Alexa much. Mom or Dad or someone else ususally brings her up first and then he chimes in on the "remember whens." I imagine it is too hurtful for him to talk about it so his best coping mechanism right now is just to block it out. Alexa was fighting death and he was at her bedside holding her hand when he had to tell her to close her eyes and "go to sleep". That's deep for a then 12 year old. She always listened to Connor and loved him so very much.

Pray for us for the remainder of the month. Just pray that we will get through the month and see some glimmer of hope and encouragement. Perhaps we will see a beautiful "pink sky" that will give us strength to make it through.
God Bless.
Dana, Chris & Connor

Read Journal History

Hospital Information:

Riley Childrens Hospital
702 Barnhill Dr.
Indianapolis, IN. 46202
317- 274-9512

Links:

E-mail Author: drmncolor@netdirect.net or jcs@netdirect.net