Meet Ali
Meet eighteen-year-old Alesia, Ali to her friends. Ali has Osteosarcoma. Seven years ago, doctors told her parents she had a 13% chance of surviving the 13 weeks of Chemo she was facing. During the seven years that passed, a determined Ali had 26 surgeries. Her latest in April, was a muscle lengthening, and tendon transfer. Ali primarily uses a wheelchair for mobility and access.
Ali is more than her diagnosis. She is a clever young woman who loves books. The smell of old books, the feel of the pages, and the weight of a good book in her hands. Ali loves books so much that she is working towards the goal of being a Librarian. She also loves to crochet. She crochets scarves and hats and amigurumi. She loves Anime and grabbing a meal at her local K Pot. Her best friend is her cockatoo – Tiki. Tiki will squawk her malcontent every time Ali leaves a room. Ali has taught her to whistle the theme song to The Mario Bros.
Ali needed a powerchair to improve access and maneuverability. On July 19, 2024, she was surprised with one at our annual Jail and Bail fundraiser. She was able to go to an amusement park the following weekend and move with real freedom. We are so grateful to her sponsor the Don and Lorraine Freeberg Grant.