Alexis Allen was honored today by Riley Hospital

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008811210456

Alexis, my neice, was honored as the Riley Champion in the Indianapolis area. She was asked to flip the coin at the Colts game on Sunday and the Pacer game last night as part of the honor. Her family also received complimentary tickets for the professional sports events. Today she spoke at a banquet of 1200 people at the Westin Hotel in downtown Indy. On the radio this afternoon Alexis compared going to Riley Camp as getting to go to Disney World. She is a good fundraiser for Riley! She will be on the local news at 5:20 tonight.

Below is the article that was written in the "Riley Messenger."
Motivated and motivating - this Mini pacer is grateful for Riley Hopspital and Camp Riley
Alexis Allen, an outgoing, optimisted 14 -year-old from Noblesville, Ind., was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord. The form of spina bifida she has led to hydrocephalus, an accumulation of fluid in and around the brain, and paralysis from the waist down. Alexis had 10 major surgeries in 10 years at Riley Hospital for Children. "It is nice to have Riley Hospital so close to home," said Angela Allen, Alexis' mother. "We have a special regard for the staff and what they have provided for Alexis." Alexis utilizes a wheelchair. While the disability prevents her from doing things as easily as other children, Alexis and her family always find the silver lining. The eighth grader at Noblesville Middle School maintains a great attitude and is especially outgoing. "Alexis is a social butterfly," and Shay Dawson, director of therapeutic recreation at Bradford Woods. "People do not see her physcial disability because she is always smiling and enjoying life." Dawson, who directs summer sessions for Camp Riley, agreed with the selection of Alexis as a Riley Champion. "She is a good leader and an eloquent speaker for being 14 years old. When it comes to a challenge, she puts her nose to the grindstone and just gets it done," said Dawson. "She has a very positive impact on other campers." These qualities explain why she was chosen to speak on camera when WXIN-TV (Fox 59 Indiananpolis), came to Camp Riley to showcase the importance of the facility for children with physical disabilities. "I don't know what I would do without Camp Riley," reflected Alexis. "It has made me more indepenmdent. It also provides me the opportunity to feel normal by helping other kids." Alexis has attended Camp Riley since she was 8 and has plans to attend even beyond the age limit of 18. Someday she hopes to become a counselor and have Shay's job. Shay is certain Alexis can achieve it with hard work. Her attitude helps her shine in athletics as well. Through the Rehabilitaion Hospital of Indiana (RHI), Alexis participates in wheelchair basketball, soccer, tennis and adaptive water skiing. Her basketball team, known as the Mini Pacers, practices every Saturday from September through March and competes in tournaments in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. Alexis has spoken on behalf of Riley Children's Foundation at several fundraising events, including at the Purdue University Dance Marathon. Her former principal at Stony Creek Elementary School, Bob McDaniew, also recruited her to help represent Kids Caring & Sharing (KCS) at the Indiana Association of School Principals Conference in 2006. KCS is a stateside school fundraising program that annually raises more than $680,000 for Riley Hospital. "We are very proud of Alexis." added Angela. "Her personality and confidence have blossomed." A champion from an early age, Alexis has now offically received the honor.