Alex Lonero was a healthy little boy who loved to watch Spiderman and Veggie Tales, play Playstation games, his baby brother Neil and his “blankie.” Even at a young age, Alex’s personality shined through as someone who liked to laugh and tease everyone in a good natured way.
 
At 2 ½ years old, Alex started waking up often in the middle of the night and then complaining about knee pain and limping a bit. Alex had recently taken a fall and was in the process of breaking in new shoes, so his mom Gretchen kept a close eye on him but, wasn’t necessarily concerned. For the next two weeks Alex experienced varying degrees of fevers and stomach pain, but even after numerous tests and x-rays, doctors kept telling Gretchen that is was a virus. Although the fevers subsided, Alex became lethargic to the point where he couldn’t walk up the steps or bend over. Doctors located a large lymph node on Alex’s neck and sent the family to the Children’s Hospital for what would prove to be one of the hardest visits yet. A CT scan confirmed that Alex had cancer, neuroblastoma. Two days later, Gretchen was told it was Stage 4.
 
And so it began. Alex went through numerous chemotherapy treatments, two surgeries, bone aspirations, blood and platelet transfusions – but the cancer remained in his little body. Throughout it all, Alex proved tougher than could be imagined and just went with the flow. The family traveled to New York City for hopes that a clinical trial offered at a hospital there would be effective, but Alex only received two weeks of treatment before his cancer became too advanced and he was sent home.
 
After a courageous battle lasting just over a year, Alex died on June 6, 2004 at the age of 3 ½. During his short life, he taught his family so many important lessons including what true love really is, that no matter what is going on – you can always muster enough energy to be happy and “play”, and as demonstrated by his bravery while enduring so many medical procedures – that they can handle anything. Gretchen learned this first hand as she was surprised at what you can do when you have no choice and it relates to your child’s health.
 
Gretchen gained so much insight into the process as well that she shares with others including to remain positive, it helps everyone including your child and your family/friends; take one day at a time; trust your doctors; and bring a friend of family member to important appointments to help write things down and keep you focused.
 
Alex’s family has hope for a future where cures will be found for childhood cancer so that no family has to endure the pain that they experience each day. This summer, Gretchen and her family will hold their eighth annual lemonade stand in memory of Alex and to benefit ALSF.
 
Quote from hero:  “Peace out!”

Information provided by Gretchen Lonero, Alex’s Mom
March 2012