Noblesville teen’s drive makes her a ‘Riley Champion’
As posted at: IndyStar.com
Posted: November 21, 2008
As a patient at Riley Hospital for Children, Alexis Allen is getting treatment for a crippling birth defect that confines her to a wheelchair.
As a spirited Noblesville girl who rolls with the punches her constraining spina bifida delivers, she is getting accolades as a Riley Champion.
Alexis, 14, was recognized at the Riley Children’s Foundation annual luncheon Wednesday as one of the first six Riley Champions — patients 8 to 18 who show extraordinary courage in their efforts to overcome obstacles and help other patients do the same.
They are seen as fellow advocates who set examples for kids at the Indianapolis hospital, and as “Riley Champions presented by Wal-Mart,” they are honored as Riley’s youngest and bravest ambassadors in fundraising and awareness programs.
“We are looking for children in families who are first of all comfortable in sharing their Riley story, their Riley experience,” explains Riley Hospital Foundation President Kevin O’Keefe.
“What we find is these families just speak from their hearts . . . and when they do that, it just makes a connection.”
For Angela Allen, whose daughter Alexis is the eldest of her and Brad Allen’s three children, it’s been a challenge to keep up with the child. She’s had 10 surgeries but insists on immersing herself in school and sports while helping Riley and the Riley kids.
“She does it because she wants to give back to Riley for what they’ve done for her,” said Allen, ticking off a list of appearances and presentations by Alexis. “She does not let being in a wheelchair hold her back,” said Allen, who also is grateful for Riley and treasures a Riley Camp photo of her child water skiing as a recent example of her daughter’s resolve and her progress.
“She’s out there participating and not sitting back in life and letting it pass her by. And I think that’s a good role model . . . they see that life goes on.”
For Alexis, whose nerve damage has left her paralyzed from the knees down and taken away sensation in her upper legs, being named a “champion” was far from anything she expected out of life. But she’ll wear the mantle proudly.
“It was an honor to get that award,” said the Noblesville Middle School eighth-grader, who plays wheelchair basketball, tennis and track and field.
“I just like helping other kids and letting other kids know that you don’t let a wheelchair stop you from doing what you want to do.
“You only live life once,” she adds, smiling. “And you have to make it the best you can make it.”
Call Star reporter James A. Gillaspy at (317) 444-5529.