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.

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.

A Gift For All!

A wonderful neighbor and friend, Eva Fisher, dropped off a great gift for both Alexis and all of us. Since Chemotherapy will be starting next week, it will become even more important to limit the germs inside the Kaufusi home. Also, it will be important for Alexis to sleep whenever she can to help her body be able to fight this cancer and heal. Well, this neighbor and friend had a phenomenal idea! She made a "mailbox" so that if you stop by and want to drop off something for Alexis and/or her family, you can! You don't have to worry if anyone is home, or if you will wake up the patient, or if the timing is just not right.



She also gave a cute white board that the Kaufusi's can fill out so you know when Alexis might be up for visitors. What an adorable and useful gift that helps everyone in this process express their love and also helps Kaufusi's as they head into this next chapter. Thank you!

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.

Smiles to be had...

Even the youngest of fans have made gifts to bring a smile to Alexis face. Stella (one of Alexis' favorite little cousins to chase and watch and love on) colored a beautiful piece of art and even incorporated Alexis new favorite color...purple!

Also, the best joke of the day that brought a smile to my face:
Alexis: I have been asking for laser hair removal every birthday for 8 years now. Now I am finally getting it.

Leave it up to Alexis to find the humor and fun in every situation. She continues to deliver smiles to friends and family whenever she can. Giving to others in her time of trial is just one of the strengths we see from Alexis every day.

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!

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.

A Porsche!

One of the many great and thoughtful things Alexis has received this week was A Porsche! She is adorable with unique striping! Many of Alexis Facebook posts and plenty of her time has been spent with this adorable new best friend.