Alea Bear, Bearing Hope
Alea Ramsey, affectionately called Bear, had a passion to serve and support others after her own diagnosis of osteosarcoma in 2018.
She was a child with cancer, but she was compassionate, selfless, innovative, and inclusive.
Alea experienced how quickly her life changed with one word- CANCER. Throughout her six years of treatments, she witnessed the trauma experienced by childhood cancer. She saw the need for BEARING HOPE as a way to give kids hope and happiness one minute at a time.
Alea wanted to BEAR HOPE for all kids like her through
AWARENESS, ADVOCACY ASSISTANCE & AYA.
Alea's Life & Legacy
Alea is remembered for her love of fairy blue penguins. Her motto to "WADDLE ON-AND ON THE WAY MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND SPRINKLE HAPPINESS & HOPE wherever life take you". Alea's friends stuck with her through the unBEARable, and made her smile, laugh, and enjoy every minute of her lifetime. Her family will always look up and remember how much love she left behind.
Author
Alea coped with her diagnosis and relapses by writing poetry and providing others a glimpse into her life in the book:
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS CANCER books can be purchased & proceeds go to BH2U. Buy Now.
advocate
Alea was passionate and became a voice in her community, her state, and even speaking to representatives in Washington DC during CureFest. Childhood Cancer funding for less toxic treatments were her battle cry for change
accomplishments
Alea was more than a Champion, she changed lives. Alea was able to connect with people on a level that instantly put them at ease. She connected a community to make a difference by being inclusive, accepting, and aspiring under circumstances beyond her control.
Academics
Alea loved learning, her teachers, classmates, and friends. Her bravery and commitment to accessibilty, equity, and inclusion was evident with her role in having a classroom robot in partnership with The Ohio State University and the UAHS Computer Science Club to allow students to join in on classes from home ,but continue to interact with teachers and peers. The robot remains at the high school to assist students who cannot attend school. Each year a Go Gold for Childhood Cancer event is held to remember her.
accesibility
Before Alea was diagnosed, she hoped to become a biomedical engineer to create prosthetics that would be more efficient for her friends in Best Buddies. She continued to volunteer with Special Olympics and Best Buddies. She maintained these friendships that shaped who she wanted to be.
activities
Alea would not let cancer define her, especially after her limb salvage surgery that left her needing to learn how to walk again.
Alea adored snowboarding, sailing, kayaking, and riding her adaptive bike. On the slopes and gliding in the water, she was free. Adaptive Sports Connection, with support of volunteers who became our family, she continued to gain confidence to try new activities and become an athlete again.