Special Birthday

Alex with some of his birthday mail (I love his smile).

Alex LeFevre is not your average boy turning 13. The fact that he even reached age 13 is rather unexpected. You see, Alex has a form of mitochondrial disease, which affects the energy system of the body and is responsible for facilitating growth and supporting life. Doctors originally told the family that he probably wouldn't live past age 6, so that makes his upcoming birthday that much more special.

When he was born, Alex suffered a severe stroke and it took more than a half hour to restore his breathing. That left him with disabilities. So, given all that he has been through, his mom, MaryBeth made a request on the family's facebook page for Alex to receive some birthday cards. Originally, it was thought that family friends, when they saw the request, would be the ones sending the cards.



However, this one post went viral and Alex has received cards from all over the world. Because Alex likes maps, he posts the originating location of the card on his wall map. He has even received gifts in boxes, including a signed rugby ball from a team located in Canada.

Mom, MaryBeth said, "Every single card he gets makes a difference for him....Even though the cards are going to end the project is never going to end because it's going to be in his heart forever."

In fact, Alex's wish for good friends and a feeling that people care about him has already come true. That's something for which a teenager could only be grateful.

Thanks to WCAX for its report on this boy with everything to live for: http://www.wcax.com/story/27458320/a-birthday-wish-heard-around-the-world. If you're interested in supporting research and help for those with mitochondrial disease, check out THE UNITED MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE FOUNDATION.

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