BYU game of the Day...

Don't miss the BYU vs. Utah Basketball game today at 1pm on the MTN! Alexis is there on the bench cheering on her team and family is in the audience!

Final Game Day

Today was the last home game for the BYU Women's BBall team, also known as senior day. And BYU came back from a 16 point deficit to win the game 56 - 52! This clinches a share of the Mountain West Conference title for them in this their last year as part of the MWC. What a day!

The team sported new shirts for Alexis today and ended the season on a memorable note for her too.




Another great surprise was when 150+ Kaufsi family members and friends all showed up in purple to show their support to Alexis. The effect was overwhelming!

In the News...

Did you notice the pink shoes that BOYS were wearing on TV tonight? Many did! Michelle's phone lit up with text messages and other phones were ringing during and after the BYU vs. Colorado St. game. During the game Alexis was specifically mentioned as part of the reason that the entire BYU men's basketball team wore the bright pink shoes to help raise cancer awareness.

"The BYU men’s basketball team donned the pink shoes to promote cancer awareness en route to an 84-76 win against Colorado State University Wednesday night in the Marriott Center.

Wearing pink was something special for the the Cougars, whose coach, Dave Rose, has overcome pancreatic cancer. It also allowed the men’s basketball team to show support for women’s basketball player Alexis Kaufusi, who was recently diagnosed with cancer and had her season cut short this year." Click here for full article on Game

Also there are a lot of articles written on when rivals at the University of Utah wore their purple shirts for Alexis as well. Click here to see that article.

And here is a sign that was made by Steve Day and his grandson Landon at last nights BYU game. It means 'have courage' in Tongan.

Game Day

Today Alexis attended the BYU vs. TCU Women's Basketball game. At the Marriott Center today they had the Huntsman Cancer Institute present as a part of cancer awareness and women's health.
Highlights of the day that honored Alexis included (but I'm sure not limited to):
* The Team sported a new purple patch on their left shoulder to honor Alexis, #10.


* The BYU team had pink warm up jackets (as fashioned on Alexis as well) to honor women's health and cancer awareness
* The entire team also had pink shoe laces on
* After her introduction, a TCU player ran over to Alexis and delivered a nice card with a hug.
* Friends and family there to show Alexis they are supporting her.
* BYU won!

Big Weekend...

Today the sun was shining and glistening off the beautiful snow as it melted quickly away in true February fashion. Alexis ventured out of the house and left Porsche to her own devices for a few hours. And Makaela, Thea, & Ella (along with me and my mom) all enjoyed lunch with Michelle and Alexis.

In other news, this is a big weekend for Alexis. Timpview High School will be honoring Alexis and her fight at the basketball game Friday night by handing out purple ribbons. And then on Saturday at the BYU Woman's Basketball game Alexis is going to be part of a special half time. That game starts at 12p at the Marriott Center and is against TCU.

A big weekend full of good memories and good times is sure to be had (and a little bit of freedom which is always renewing).

Rivalries Aside

If you have spent any time on the University of Utah's campus or BYU's campus you have probably gotten a feel for the intensity of this rivalry. Through every sport it draws larger then normal crowds and people who show up early for the game(s).

Saturday at the Utah vs. BYU Women's basketball game it was no exception. However, the University of Utah Utes surprised all (and brought more then one tear to onlookers) by coming out to warm up in purple t-shirts with the jersey number of Alexis printed on the back and "Hope Fight" on the front. You felt the unity flow through the arena as the girls hugged Alexis and reached across those competitive boundaries to show support and love from one girl to another. A reminder of how much a trial can unite loved ones and associates alike, because everyone understands tough times on some level.
Chelsea Bridgewater posed with Alexis to help commemorate this unforgettable moment.

Deseret News Tribute

A wonderful story from the Deseret Newspaper on Saturday, Feb 12. (I did edit it down a little, click on link below for full article)

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700109356/Womens-basketball-Ute-Coug-women-tip-off-today.html

Women's basketball: Ute, Coug women tip off today

Published: Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 1:18 a.m. MST

By Sarah Thomas, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah women's basketball team will host rival BYU today in the second consecutive game on its home floor...They are looking for a renewed energy when taking on the Cougars, who are currently at the top of the Mountain West Conference at 9-1 and 17-7 overall...

The Cougars, on the other hand, will take the court for the third game without sophomore forward Alexis Kaufusi. BYU announced Tuesday that the Timpview High School-graduate has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and will not compete for the team for the remainder of the season.

"My thoughts are with BYU and their fans and players and family. It's a really difficult situation for Alexis Kaufusi and her family," Rolniak said.

"It definitely hits home for me in more ways than one," she added with emotion in her voice. "My heart goes out to them. Rivalry aside, we're all basketball players and we're all girls around the same age and we're all going through a lot of the same stuff and this is something all can rally around."

BYU Tribute From Team

Here is a link to the BYU website. This link will connect you to an article about Alexis, but don't miss the video link (top left). The video is entitled "Our Team is Rallying Around This"
http://www.byucougars.com/Filing.jsp?ID=15063

During the video Coach Judkins & teammates share their thoughts about Alexis and all that she is facing. Also there are some highlights of Alexis playing basketball while they are talking. Don't miss this 3 minute video, as it serves as a reminder of the strength and character Alexis has.

BYU Honors

http://universe.byu.edu/node/13843
Alexis has continued to support her basketball team. And, just a like a true team, they continue to support her in her latest challenge. "The nice thing about team work is that you always have others on your side." M. Carty. It is often our relationships with others that give us the strength to carry through our greatest trials.