Our Warriors Who Inspire Us

Alexis Reinders was a bright, healthy and energetic 6-year-old. She loved attending school, and was well-liked by her classmates – she never left anyone out and was kind to everyone. Alexis enjoyed dancing at her local dance studio, and excelled in jazz, tap and ballet.

On July 15, 2019, Alexis was rushed her to the emergency room after her dance teacher raised concerns about Alexis’ balance, gait and difficulty performing dance steps she could typically do with ease. It was there in the ER at Dell Children’s Hospital the next day, that an MRI revealed the Reinders’ worst nightmare, their daughter had DIPG, a form of brain cancer with no effective treatment. Alexis never returned to dance, seemingly afraid to go back, but she was determined to continue going to school. Alexis was able to attend school for 6 months following her diagnosis before she became too weak.

Alexis bravely battled DIPG for exactly 12 months before she joined the angels in heaven at the age of 7. Through it all, even when DIPG took away many of Alexis’ abilities, she never lost her spirit of joy or her beautiful smile.