HISTORY

Alexa Dyer, the daughter of Russ Dyer, a Rotarian, and Michele Dyer was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor on her first birthday in December 1999. Alexa was a delightful child who touched the hearts of all who knew or met her. Beating the odds, Alexa outlived the doctors' prognosis. Where there is a great love, there are always miracles. Alexa's brave battle with cancer ended on February 7, 2002.


FUND WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2001

Before Alexa passed away, a fund was established to honor Alexa's spirit of determination for the will to live. A committee was appointed to strengthen the size of the funds, development guidelines and oversee the distribution of funds. The funds are held by the Vancouver Rotary Foundation. All contributions are 100 percent tax deductible.


PURPOSE OF THE FUND

The purpose of this very special fund is to support children and their families in situations where a child has a terminal illness. Support has ranged from helping a family with its monthly mortgage payment to giving a family a car to provide much needed transportation. The fund provides both cash and in-kind support.

Resources are provided to connect families with support to help them through one of the most challenging times in a family's life.


HOW THE ALEXA DYER LIFE CHALLENGE AWARD HAS HELPED

We have been able to help many familes since inception of the program. Below are just a few examples of that help.

Little girl with nuregoblastoma cancer down her spine. $2,000 for travel and accommodations to San Francisco for treatment. Unfortunately she passed away in November 2003.

Various families that have terminally ill children received gift certificates at Christmas time to make their Christmas a little cheerier.

Little boy with Ewings Sarcoma cancer. $900 for respite care. He passed away in May 2004. His caregivers were so touched by the gift they did most of their respite care free of charge.

Little girl with brain cancer. $1,900 for living expenses.

Assisted three families that have little children with brain cancer. The gifts were between $1,000 - $2,500 to help with rent and monthly bills.

Little boy with terminal stage leukemia. $1,000 for digital camera and household items. He passed away in December 2003.

TO DATE WE HAVE REACHED OUT TO 24 FAMILIES TOTALING $26,000.


HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. Let us of know of families who need help. Click on Brochure and Application.

2. In-Kind Support is gratefully appreciated.

3. Send your 100 percent tax-deductible contribution to (see contribution form):

Alexa Dyer Life Challenge Award
The Vancouver Rotary Foundation
P.O. Box 1000
Vancouver, WA 98666

Please note that 100% of your tax deductible gift goes to the families. The Alexa Dyer Life Challenge Award is an all volunteer program and all materials to administer the program are donated.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Larson
Phone - (360) 694-8415
E-mail - jenniferl@murdock-trust.org

Attached Files
    - ADLCA Brochure
    - ADLCA Contribution Form
    - ADLCA Application
    - ADLCA Newsletter Fall / Winter 2004