Hello hello! 

 This year, I am choosing to shave my head in honor of my kid cousin, Alex Buczkowski, who recently lost his battle to cancer.

 "Like all students a few weeks ago, Alex was looking forward to the start of the school year. Alex was enjoying his summer break and even began learning French for his future goals to go to Canada and become an amethyst miner. 

In August Alex and his family received the Covid vaccine and shortly after Alex began having what were thought to be symptoms from the shot. The doctor recommended plenty of rest and fluids and that the side effects would go away. Alex's pain did not pass, and within a few days Alex's headaches became worse but said that with the Motrin he had some relief. 

On August 18th Alex like so many others got to go on his first day back to school to see his friends and teachers for his new 7th grade year, he was super excited and ready. He made it the first 3 days and the Friday he came home and just said he was so tired and just wanted to sleep. He began vomiting up that night so by that Sunday was taken to the urgent care. All of Alex's test came back no issues and the sent him home with indications it was just delayed side effects of the shot. Alex continued to feel ill - vomiting, not eating or drinking and sleeping. He was taken to the emergency room where they still were not able to find and issues. Just as he was about to be discharged, the doctor asked him to take a walk and that's when Alex began to fade. An MRI of his head was ordered and was found with a brain tumor the size of a clementine. 

 On this day Alex's world changed., he was placed under sleep and was transferred to Advocate Children's Hospital in Oaklawn to undergo surgery. While there his parents were informed that Alex's tumor is at the top of his head that they will not be able to remove all of it. A treatment plan was set up to help him live a remaining comfortable and quality of life. Alex has lost function of his left arm and leg and hoping that with Physical Therapy that some will return, unfortunately as time goes he will loose that function again. They are working with St. Judes in Chicago to ensure they confirm the same info between both hospitals and ensure the best plan forward is put in place. The treatment will consist of Radiation, Chemotherapy, possible clinical trials which we will continue to learn about.  

Alex's mom and dad have had to make decisions to best support and make all the needs for Alex as well as his 3 other siblings, due to the changes with the needs for Alex we had to make decisions that we need the ask of assistance. Alex's mom must take leave from work as they are unable to accommodate the time off necessity for her to care for Alex. Due to this, the family will not be receiving her income, and there is much needed for Alex at this time. A wheel chair and vehicle lift will need to be purchased for transportation to/from treatments and a wheel chair ramp will need to be installed at their home. Alex will also need home care assistance. The family is so thankful for the community members that have already reached out to offer support. They ask that you continue to share your stories and experiences with them as they have helped them to learn, understand and calm their thoughts at this time. Any support is greatly appreciated to help cope with the challenges ahead..." 

 Sadly, Alex lost his battle with cancer on March 8th, 2022. While Alex was unique, his story is not. 

Please consider donating to help families and children in similar heartbreaking situations. It makes space to be present, grieve, and focus on treatment to know that the financial component is covered.

 I would love for you to join me in honoring Alex's memory and supporting families still in the thick of it. 

 Be well, Alyce