Come Celebrate

Come and celebrate with us. On the Eve of Alexis last Chemotherapy we will be having a party with her at Fat Cat's! (see below for details). We will be raising money and having a great celebration to the end of this era of cancer treatment.

Fundraiser with Alexis Kaufusi!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

6:00p - 9:00p

At Fat Cat’s Bowling in Provo

1200 N University Avenue

$10 per person = a game of bowling & pizza & a drink!

ALL proceeds go to Alexis Kaufusi Cancer Fund

Don’t miss - Buying a decal, a bracelet, or a necklace And there will be a silent auction

Also Bring a flyer into Costa Vida at any time on

May 11 and they will donate 10% of your purchase!

Corbin's Perspective

Well I thought if my Mommy gets to talk/blog about Alexis I sure as heck want to too! Anyways I had the opportunity to go with Mom, Alexis, and Daryl to the Huntsman Cancer Institute/Hospital. I had an amazing time; not only was it fun but it really was an eye-opener for me. Everything there was so high tech! I loved it. The best part was the incredible people there that took such good care of my sister. They got us in and started quickly and pleasantly, heck they even gave us free drinks and snacks. Naturally it was legit for me. I didn’t get to see her much since she had so many good friends come visit her but when I did it was quite the experience. As I sat and watched my oldest sister get filled with the chemicals that literally kills almost everything in her body I couldn’t help but feel down and sad. I even got a bit teary. Never in my life have I seen my sister in such a state with her incredibly long, beautiful hair gone, and she looked so sickly. Yet as I continued to watch her I realized this cancer has done so much for her and me.


Before all this happened Alexis and I were not as close as it seemed. She was always ignoring me or I was always annoying her. We were never exactly on the same page; in fact, we were almost always fighting. Now she doesn’t know this, but I hated how things were with us. I really wanted to be a better brother but no matter how hard I tried it didn’t work. Now I see that as we have both been facing this trial, her and I have grown so much closer. I can honestly say I have seen some light in this. We are now both sporting the same hair do, (which I think she rocks better then me…. Dang). We do so many things together that we wouldn’t have before, (over-sized bubble baths is one thing). Ha I’m no longer afraid I’ll get punched or kicked for a hug or a kiss on the cheek… Well actually I’m still afraid but she’s doesn’t mind as much! She’s simply the best. She felt so good through this chemo, which was amazing. I felt even better. I’ve decided to go to all the rest of her treatments! Being able to sit and just keep her company as she was injected may not have been incredibly fun or exciting but it was perfect. She was beautiful :)

Purple in White

In the still of night this purple was delivered, and against all the new white snow this morning it seems to be an even more vibrant purple.


Steve walked out this morning and found this beautiful bouquet surprise waiting at the end of their sidewalk. He took a picture and commented on how touched he continues to be by peoples thoughtful gestures, he is amazed at how supportive everyone is. People make the difference every day. Thank you angels among us.

Thoughtful Gestures...

Even 50 miles away there are friends hanging ribbons around their yards to show their support Alexis. These are neighbors that haven't lived next door for 8 years, but they remember Alexis & her family. They remember what a special group they are. And like many of us, they are searching for something to do. Something to show Alexis that she is not alone, that there is always someone thinking of her. What a lovely demonstration of support.




And 11,389 kilometers or 7,077 miles away there is a missionary who is also looking for some way to show Alexis his love for her. He has prayed & fasted for her, he has written emails, he checks the blog. But he is also looking for anything and everything PURPLE! He has even said that he has worn the same purple tie for days in a row, just because he only has one. His letter this week said: " Last P-day I spent "purplizing" everything I own. Today I'm on the hunt for more purple stuff! I know I'll find some more purple things for me to have!" His treasure hunting has paid off. Here he is sporting some of his new purple gear.

He also took time this week to carve AK10 into his bike. So every mile he bikes and every kilometer he walks he sports his purple pride to show his dedication to a sister fighting a battle miles away.




Today I reflected on the overwhelming feeling that it is so hard sometimes to watch and not be able to bear more of the burden of this trial. We just want to help. There are so many of you out there writing cards, taking gifts, and helping the Kaufusi family & Alexis in your own way. Every action is a reminder of how loved and supported Alexis is. Thank you.

Update: Chemotherapy #1

Happy, relieved, hot, cold, numb, dizzy, tired, itchy, swollen, bored, hungry, fascinated, educated. These are just some of the things Alexis felt today during her first chemotherapy treatment. There were moments for every feeling it seemed. Leave it up to a day in a medical facility to cover a range of emotions! And often a feeling was revisited again later. But at the end of the day (which did end at about 5pm), it was a day well spent in battle.

Alexis woke up before the sun this morning so she could get all the way to Huntsman by 6:45am. Then she sat. She sat, and she sat, and she sat. Occasionally she got to take her IV pole for a short stroll past the other patients who were sitting around. Everything went through her port today, so it was nice to not have any real "pokes" to deal with. They started with the "R" treatment and it took hours to infuse. At one point Alexis started to have a reaction to the treatment (which is not uncommon these first few times they said) and so they had to stop it, flush it out, give her benadryl, and start again. She did great. Amazing in fact. Then they moved onto the chemotherapy that had to be administered by the nurse. It made her feel a little flushed, but that too went well! Lastly came a final IV chemotherapy medicine, and this went off without a hitch.

Keen, RN giving some chemotherapy (yes, this one was red!)

Some of Alexis' support group

What happens between watching TV & listening to her iPod...

On her way home

And so went the day of a chemotherapy patient. It was pretty text book, according to the wonderful medical staff who helped. Alexis felt a little light headed while trying to leave, but they said the worst of the side effects won't really come about until Friday & Saturday.

It is a good thought to know that at this point in the plan, 1 of 6 treatments is done. That is 20%! It is a definite beginning, and Alexis is very ready to be started!

On the way home Alexis & her parents were touched by the thoughtfulness of their neighbors once again. Sherrie Boxx had tied purple ribbons and balloons all along the street! They were on street signs, trees and in their yard. They were lifted up by this kindness that showed how much people around them are thinking of Alexis as she works through these days of trial. Friendship is a word that seems to by synonymous with comfort now-a-days in the Kaufusi home. So thank you dear friends for all the comfort you give.

Friends & Family Fast & Pray Day

Tomorrow Alexis starts Chemotherapy. It begins at 7am and she will finish about 3pm.

We will be having our family & friends fast & pray day. Alexis picked this day specifically because it is the first chemotherapy treatment. So join us is sending our love and prayers to Alexis!!!

Sisterly Love, and Beyond

At Daryl's soccer game tonight, the entire team (and coach) came out wearing these bands on their arms. AK 10 printed in purple. The support of a sister is some of the greatest in the world. I don't have a sister, but I now that I have three girls I am getting a new perspective entirely. I have learend that sisters are often the hardest part of the day, but often the sweetest part too. They are as different as flowers in a garden, but somehow, they are still growing in the same garden making it beautiful. But most of all, life without a sister seems like you are eating a cookie, which is great. However, life with a sister is eating a cookie with the chocolate chips.

Any way you look at it, the support of a sister is a sweet thing.

BYU Athletics Support Alexis

Alexis has once again been surrounded by people who are cheering for her and have made an effort to show their support.



Jess Mullen, Alexis' academic adviser, took time to have 16 different sports teams sign posters for Alexis. Team members from cheer, volleyball, football, basketball, etc., etc., etc., all signed their names next to personal messages to Alexis. Then Jess Mullen delivered them to Alexis at home. These 16 posters will surely make amazing wallpaper to study over the next few months of bed rest and few visitors. And (as you can see) each poster also was decorated with the custom design AK 10 that the woman's basketball team also wears as a patch on their jersey. Thank you to everyone! But especially Jess Mullen for all she does to keep Alexis on track in school and bringing this little bit hope to home.

What an overwhelming show of love. It is moments like these that the battle seems a little less overwhelming.

Quarantine, So it Begins

Sunday was Alexis' first day of home confinement. Her doctors have instructed her that she has officially had her last day of church. They are starting to limit her outings (and also her visitors) in order to keep her healthy. So with her first day home Alexis spent some time on You Tube (of course!), watching Mormon Video Clips with Porsche. Hmmmm, I suppose there are more resources then just the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast, devotional re-runs, and that sacrament meeting on TV now-a-days. I think that is good thing.

Yesterday another letter from Bronson also arrived, and he challenged Alexis to read the Book of Mormon with all her new down time. He then added, "read it and finish it." A true missionary at heart in every situation.

Corbin will also play a big part in this quarantine. He will be given the responsibility to give the sacrament to Alexis each week. What a great missionary prep experience. But Alexis laughed when I said he could help feed her spiritually each week. I wonder why?

Perhaps Sundays will be a day of rest amid the chaos of doctors visits and the roller coaster ride of this disease. It is a day when Alexis knows no new news will come in, and no new information will be collected (we hope). A day when the world gathers with their families (regardless of religious views) and takes time to renew those relationships and remind one another why they love being a family.

Cancer Party Time!

Tonight Blake Roney hosted a Cancer Party for Alexis and her basketball team (and of course the Kaufusi family came too!). The night was full of wipe outs, catching waves on the flo-rider, a little basketball in the pool, and some serious hot tub time.

The end of the night was highlighted with Alexis cooking pancakes for all. And if there is something I want to hire Alexis to cook for me, it's pancakes and omelets. WARNING to those who indulge: you will dream of them all night long, and the breakfast you eat in the morning will not taste the same.

Good times, good friends, and I hear Alexis may have even squeezed a nap into the evening. Let the good times roll!

A Good Night Out...

Tonight Alexis ventured out to Corbin's Senior Night with the Timpview Basketball Team. She cheered Corbin on while he showed off his talent, took time to play with all the kids, gave out lots of hugs, and made sure to capture a few moments on camera.

Alexis with her cousins...actually her cousins kids, so what are they technically?

Steph, Alexis & Corbin celebrating a good Rival win

Alexis and her "little" brother...she's done such a good job with him!

At this point Alexis knows that there is a day on the horizon when she will no longer be able to venture out into these types of crowds. Her immune system will not be able to handle all the things we each carry around and spread around. It was a great night to be out and feel the thrill of victory, accomplishment, friendship, and love. Good memories are invaluable.

Gifts of All Kinds...

This is the good kind of "heart attack" -
And they were all done in a thoughtful purple color...



And there have been other thoughtful gifts that seem to cover counters and fill stomachs...






And occasionally Alexis is impressed with the practicality of some gifts.

Through each gift, each day love seems to pour into the Kaufusi home. These shows of love come in a million different ways, and thanks to all who keep up with us on the blog too, your love is felt via internet!

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).

Facebook News

Today a new facebook page emerged. Alexis Kaufusi anti-cancer Fans. Be sure to "like" this page and it will be one more way to show support and keep up with Alexis.

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.

Friends through it All

Diane Tempest. This has been a name familiar to Alexis and her family since the time Alexis even knew what a friend was. And as life often does, it twists us closer together with the passing of time & trials. Alexis and Diane have played together, laughed together & I'm sure caused plenty of mischief at times. And through all this they have learned how Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.

Over seven years ago Diane was faced with a trial all her own when her dad was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma and then later lost his valiant battle. Since then Alexis has watched Diane and been by her side, including at her wedding.
Recently Diane visited with Alexis and shared some memories of her dads story, which had new perspective to Alexis. Diane brought some LiveStrong bracelets to share with Alexis and told how her dad had worn the bracelets. On each bracelet the "ST" was colored in to remind those who wore them of Diane's father, Steve Tempest, and the battle he fought. Alexis now proudly wears this bracelet to remind her of daily strength it takes to fight this battle.