Roger Foster

Roger Foster is a lifelong resident of Crete, and a strong advocate for his community, and beyond.  He has served as the Mayor of Crete since 2010, and for 3 years prior to that, served on the City Council.  His advocacy started in a tragic way.  In 2004, Roger and Julie’s 8-year-old middle daughter was killed when a concrete wall that was not properly re-enforced fell on her at an after-school picnic.  Alexa was in the public restroom with her friends, refilling squirt guns when the wall collapsed.  She died later that day.  After some research, Roger found that there were no state laws mandating inspections for public buildings that small, and that there was little incentive for municipalities to have such buildings inspected.  Roger went to work.

First, he founded “The Alexa Check”, which encourages people to be aware of their surroundings, to look for hidden dangers in public places, to not assume that someone else is responsible for making a place safe, and most importantly, to report it and make sure something gets done about it.  But that was not enough for Roger and his family.  In 2007, Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman declared May 19th Alexa Check Day.  In addition, that year there was a state law passed holding cities, counties and public entities responsible for ensuring the safety of public structures.  Roger met with state legislators, with the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects, with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission during this process, and brochures were created and circulated throughout the state describing what happened to Alexa.  Her death brought awareness across the state, and no doubt, made Nebraska a safer place for our children.

Roger is now in the fight of his life.  He has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer and is facing a fierce battle.  One major family heartbreak in one lifetime is more than enough.  NO ONE should have to go through what this family is facing in this second round.  Roger’s wife Julie, and their 2 girls Jasmine and Brooke are strong – but they really need our help.  First, the entire family covets your prayers.  There are lots of decisions to make in the coming weeks/months.  So, prayers for comfort, discernment, peace, good rest and no physical pain are appreciated.  Second, this kind of situation is a financial challenge.  The Foster Family needs your financial help.  Even with health insurance, this kind of diagnosis is very expensive, and if we can take the stress of financial worry off this family, we will be doing an amazing thing.  No amount is too small – it all adds up.  Roger has been a tireless advocate for the community of Crete and beyond.  We now have the opportunity to show our support to Roger and his family is a truly meaningful and impactful way.