Keep Alea’s Legacy & Light Always Shining

Alea passed away on 1.28.2024

Her life changed forever when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2018.

Through every treatment, surgery, and scan, Alea was not focused on herself, but on serving others. She dedicated her days to advocating for Childhood Cancer Awareness & Advocacy.  She eoloqantly spoke to legislators in Washington DC during the annual CureFest and various events in Columbus, Ohio.  
Alea wrote a book, When Life Gives You Cancer, that was published by Bell Asteri Publishing. Alea wrote her story with prose and poetry to share her experiences as a young teen cancer patient and to support other AYA individuals.  All proceeds from the book goes directly to Alea's nonprofit:BEARING HOPE.

When life gives you cancer, and you want to complain, stop. If you are going to complain, then be prepared to do something about it!  This was our family motto before cancer came, and it has focused Alea's goals to serve others. Bearing Hope is a nonprofit that Alea created to serve Childhood Cancer patients receiving treatment at Nationwide Children's Hospital Oncology Unit, Floor 12.  

Alea was inclusive.  Prior to diagnosis, Alea was an active participant in volleyball, softball, lacrosse, and her favorite dance.  She was a part of Best Buddies and Special Olympics were she mentored those with disabilities.  Her ultimate goal was to become a biomedical engineer and create prosthetics.  Ironically, osteosarcoma would take away her ability to dance, walk, and cause her to become disabled herself.   She began insisting upon disability services and inclusion for all. 

Bearing Hope will continue to provide services to children though her legacy.  Bearing Hope will continue to grow and reach out to others in time.

Bearing Hope will be the pathway to bring all ages, from toddlers,to children, to teens, to young adults,

Bearing Hope will continue to bring communities together in the same way Alea created and inspire others to embrace inclusion, advocacy, and childhood cancer awareness.