Eight-year-old Alex made a wish that he can keep enjoying every day – he asked for an artificial ice rink in his backyard. Now he can lace up his skates and practice his hockey skills without leaving home. But for his mother, Marcie, the real gift of the wish experience isn’t the rink itself: It’s all the time volunteers gave to bring joy to her son, who is recovering from leukemia.

A Community Rallies for Alex
“It’s astounding that strangers would give up their weekend to help us out,” Marcie said. “People are really kind and generous.”

The volunteers were youth and collegiate hockey players from near Alex’s hometown. Local businesses offered discounts on materials, and Betty Crocker^® sponsored the wish as part of its national Stirring Up Wishes 12 Wishes in 12 Weeks campaign.

Marcie said the volunteers couldn’t wait to help a fellow hockey player who was going through chemotherapy. Alex was shy when he first met them, but their shared love of hockey helped him bond with his new friends.

The hockey players spent the entire day installing a 24-by-48-foot surface, complete with a regulation hockey goal. Hours later, Alex glided onto the plastic surface.

Beating Leukemia
About a year after being diagnosed in October 2008, Alex was rapidly improving. Skating helps keep his skills and spirits up. It also helps Marcie, banishing the sadness she felt after he was diagnosed.

“It’s just heart-stopping,” Marcie said. “It’s just the worst thing that can happen.”

As Alex’s recovery progressed, his energy and bright personality returned. He loves making people laugh with a one-liner or his enthusiastic play-by-play commentary while skating. Every time he scores a goal, all his neighbors can hear his joyful celebrations.

“It feels like a miracle,” Marcie said. “Alex is getting a second chance at life, and we get a second chance to be with him.”

During spring 2009, Make-A-Wish^® supporters and Betty Crocker fans voted for their favorite Make-A-Wish chapters to receive funding for one of 12 wishes through the Stirring Up Wishes 12 Wishes in 12 Weeks campaign. Betty Crocker announced the winners and began working with the Foundation to grant these special wishes, including Alex’s.