Alexis Allen, an outgoing, optimistic 15-year-old from Noblesville, Ind., was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord. The spina bifida led to hydrocephalus, an accumulation of fluid in and around the brain, and paralysis from the waist down. Alexis has already had 11 major surgeries 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,” said Shay Dawson, director of therapeutic recreation at Bradford Woods. “People do not see her physical 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 Indianapolis), 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 independent. 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 Rehabilitation 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 the Purdue University Dance Marathon. Her former principal at Stony Creek Elementary School, Bob McDaniel, also recruited her to help represent Kids Caring & Sharing (KCS) at the Indiana Association of School Principals Conference in 2006. KCS is a statewide 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 officially received the honor.
In This Section
-
Your Impact on the Riley Relief Fund June 2, 2020
We put out the call that Riley Hospital for Children needed help during the COVID pandemic and you answered. Find out how your donations impacted Riley kids, their families, and hospital staff.
× -
Nurses Week 2020 May 7, 2020
A heartfelt thank you to the nurses at Riley Hosptial for Children as we celebrate Nurses Week!
× -
Waiting for Two Miracles April 27, 2020
Riley mom Amie Hastings lost her job due to the coronavirus pandemic. Your donations to the Riley Relief Fund provides emergency assistance to Riley families during the coronavirus crisis. It also supports Riley program and team member needs, and gives doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals flexibility as they respond to the evolving healthcare crisis.
× -
Happy Birthday, Teddy! April 16, 2020
Riley kid Giancarlo "Teddy" Gomez celebrates his eighth birthday at Riley Hospital for Children. Please join us in wishing him a Happy Birthday!
× -
A Piece of Riley June 27, 2019
I am the Riley Wagon. I mean a lot of things to different people. I'm also a way for donors, like the Burr family, to give back to Riley Hospital for Children.
× -
Be the Star You Are May 22, 2019
Check out this behind the scenes look at the 2019 Riley Cancer Center Prom.
× -
Meet Rowan Breyts March 19, 2019
A baby dies in Indiana about every 14 hours. Rowan Breyts was not one of them. However, he came dangerously close.
× -
Be the Hope NOW: The Campaign for Kids December 19, 2018
We have launched a $175 million campaign for Riley Hospital to save kids’ lives through three high-priority programs.
× -
Kennedy's Story: How Family Support Helps December 19, 2018
Watch the Strayer Family's story about their Riley journey.
× -
Sheila and Jameson's Story December 19, 2018
Sheila Dolan shares how the donor-funded Riley Maternity and Newborn Health team saved her life, and her son’s life.
×