About Alec

UPDATE:

November 2011
It has been awhile since our last update.  Alec graduated high school and enjoyed prom and post prom activities with many good friends.  Right after graduation, Alec went to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for MIBG Therapy where his entire body radiated and remained radioactive for a week.  This was the first treatment that actually reduced the tumors and provided Alec relief that allows him to play sports again.

The next major chapter in Alec’s life is attending college at DePaul University.  Alec was awarded the DePaul University Presidential and the American Italian Descent scholarships.  He is enjoying school and living in downtown Chicago and just finished his first quarter and did well.  Gianna really misses her brother and she loves when he comes home to visit. It is sweet to see them cuddling and watching movies.

This summer, Alec’s started a daily oral chemotherapy trial based out of Children’s Memorial Hospital, which is walking distance from DePaul.  His last scans in mid November 2011 shows the cancer to be stable and allows Alec to remain on the trial and to have his skull repaired in mid December.        

We hope that everyone enjoys the upcoming holidays and enjoys the time with your families. 

Alec finished his 5th round of chemo on October 8th and his medication has drastically reduced his nausea.  On October 1st Alec was voted Lake Park’s homecoming king.  A well written Chicago Sun-Times online article about Alec can be found with the link below. 

http://yourseason.suntimes.com/boys_soccer/2788020,1009-kubica-feature.article

Please keep Alec in your prayers on October 19th, as we will find out how effective the chemo has been and his next course of treatments.  If surgery is needed, it will be performed on October 28th.

Having just completed his junior year at Lake Park High School, Alec Kubica spent the early summer the way he has in summer’s past…  playing soccer for the Downers Grove Road Runners, a traveling team where Alec has not only excelled as a player, but, as a teammate.  He continued his volunteer work at the Bloomingdale Police Department in their “Peer Jury” program and earned money mowing lawns for families throughout his neighborhood.  The past year found college on Alec’s “radar” as well, having scored a 30 on the ACT and earning a 4.83 GPA (out of 5.0)! 

By mid-summer, life threw Alec a curve.  He was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma (NB), a relatively rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system- a nerve network that carries messages from the brain throughout the body.  Within a few days, which included numerous lab tests, biopsy’s and several doctor consults, decisions were made and a plan of action was put in place. Within a few weeks, Alec began his 1st of 6 rounds of chemotherapy treatments at the University of Chicago Medical Center.  A stem cell transplant has also been scheduled. 

Though he has been diagnosed with “stage 4” NB, an advanced form of the cancer, Alec has maintained his strong will and positive spirit.  He has been blessed to have the unwavering love and guidance of his parents, Brian & Gina- and the support of family and friends through his endeavors and in conquering life’s hurdles throughout his 17 years.  This support has and will continue as he takes on this current obstacle. 

With the end of summer approaching, Alec’s “support group” is planning a fundraiser at Pinstripes in South Barrington this October to help off-set medical expenses and make donations to find a cure for NB.  We humbly ask for your assistance in helping us make this fundraiser successful. Donations for services, gift cards, or items which could be used in a silent auction/raffle would be warmly welcomed.

  It is with heartfelt sincerity that we thank you for any support which you can provide. 

Whats new with Alec:

Alec just started his senior year at Lake Park High School.  He continues to hang out with friends and family.  He is deciding on what colleges to apply for.  He plans on getting his
law degree.

Current News:

Alec completed three rounds of his six chemo treatments.  His next treatment is scheduled for Mid-September.  His body has tolerated them fairly well.  Upon completion of his chemo treatments, he will then receive a stem cell transplant.  That is slated for the beginning of November. 

Message from the Family:

We would like to thank everyone for their help, love and prayers!  We are truly touched by the generosity of family, friends and strangers alike. We are very lucky to have such a strong support system during this trying time.  Thank you for all you have given us. Your thoughtfulness knows no bounds. We love you all!

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention

- Oscar Wilde