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 Alex's
Athlete Of The Month
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Athlete Of The Month
National Dance Champion
8 year old
Alex Swader
About Alex:
Alex is an 8 year old 2nd grader from Birmingham, Alabama. He is energetic and friendly, affectionate and caring. He is a perfectionist with a
magnetic personality. Alex loves to dance and is a national dance champion! He also likes to play video games and enjoys Star Wars and collecting action figures.
The Diagnoses
In July 2007,while at a national dance competition, Alex’s parents found a knot on his back. It was bluish in color so they assumed it was a bruise. Three weeks later it was still there so his parents took him to see the doctor, who said it was most likely nothing to worry about, and just to watch it and bring him back if it changed. In October, it began to grow really fast. In December, he finally got in to see a surgeon who still thought this was nothing serious. On January 7th the lump was removed. On January 14, 2008 Alex was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. This is a form of childhood cancer that causes solid tumors to grow in the bones or the soft tissue in the body. It is rare for it to present in the soft tissue first, but not unheard of. No one knows what causes Ewing’s. Alex had more surgery to excise more tissue from his back to be sure no more tumors or pieces of the tumor were left behind. All margins were clear, meaning no more cancerous tissue was found. Alex has always been a happy, healthy child, and throughout all the tests no evidence of any further cancer was found. All of the tests performed were normal. Before treatments started Alex seemed extremely healthy and never had any pain or effects from the tumor. Alex is presently sailing through a 30 week course of chemotherapy and handling it all with more fortitude and faith than anyone ever knew was possible. He is making lots of friends at the hospital, and keeping up with dance and schoolwork well. He is still a straight A student and even competed with his dance team at a competition in April! Alex’s wish is that one day someone will find a cure for cancer that has no side effects, so that patients will not have to miss out on so much of their lives and the things they enjoy. He keeps a positive attitude no matter what, and knows that when this part of his life’s journey is over he will be better and stronger than ever before!
Check back soon to read a note from Alex's dance teacher, Beverly Simpson-Cunningham of
Bevery Dance Unlimited in Alabama www.BeverlysDance.com
Dear Alex....
Thank you so much for participating with the interview. You have shown great courage and your story is helping
to inspire so many people. It is clear to me how much you love dance and I do know that feeling so very well. I started lessons at
the age of 5 and danced for 20 years. 10 of those years I taught classes and private lessons to the advanced dancers. It was great
fun and I do miss it a lot! You hang in there.... take care..... and KEEP DANCING!............. Patricia Lee, Founder
~The Interview ~
When did you start dance lessons and how long have you been taking?
When I was three years old. This is my sixth year.
What brought on your interest in dance that made you want to take lessons?
My cousin took dance.
In how many competitions have you participated?
Twelve
How did your diagnoses effect your ability to continue dancing?
I have missed a lot of practices, and I didn’t get to learn a solo or a duet this year. I had to stop taking all my
classes except one, and I only got to compete in one competition.
Tell us about the support of your dance family (teachers and others in your class)?
Everyone gets really excited whenever I get to go to dance class.
Tell us about the support of your own family?
They all support me a lot. My parents stay the night with me every night at the hospital.
Did you ever have any fears and if so, how did you face them?
I was afraid of my surgery the most. There was nothing I could really do, so I just did it.
If you are religious, did your faith or religion help you through the tough times and if so, how?
I like talking to Pastor Paul, the chaplain at the hospital.
How did your friends react to your diagnosis and how did they help you?
They were surprised. I got to show them my scars. They made me cards and prayed for me.
They help me remember to use my hand sanitizer while I am at school. Two boys in second grade shaved their heads when I lost my hair.
Will you be participating in the dance recital this year May 17th at Trussville HS?
I don’t know. It depends on how I feel, but I really want to. I’m not supposed to be in the hospital that weekend.
What are you looking forward to the most regarding your future?
I hope that someone will find a cure for cancer besides chemotherapy. I want to have a big, humongous party when I am finished with chemo.
What advice would you give to any other boy or girl in your same situation?
I had trouble with it too, but I got through it and you can too.
What else would you like for everyone to know about your experience?
I got to show the kids in my class my bone scan. The hospital is boring , but I can bring some of my toys and the nurses will play with me.
Please visit Alex's webpage at
www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexswader
