Well over a hundred people gathered just as the sun began to rise at the UK Arboretum Sunday morning. They were there bright and early to celebrate the life and legacy of Alexandra Simpson, who passed away in 2022 at the young age of 22. Alex’s mother, Melanie Simpson Conley, started the event a year ago to honor her daughter and bring awareness and funding to fight childhood cancers.
“It warms my heart because of course we’re remembering Big A, but also because I know what kind of need there is at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital and so this is a step in the right direction to help those children,” Simpson Conley said.
Alexandra was treated at Kentucky Children’s during three separate battles with a rare childhood cancer. Family and friends said she never let her illness define her and lived every moment to the fullest. Longtime friend Cassady Gorrell led Sunday’s Walk which she said filled with reminders of Alex.
“Just making me laugh and thinking about all of the times we had together growing up,” Gorrell said. “She feels very, very present at this event that’s for sure.”
Simpson Conley had this message not only to parents who are facing what she and Alex lived through, but for everyone.
“Enjoy today! Be in the moment with your children because we never know when their last day is right? So just enjoy today. The day that God has made for us today.”
To make a gift to the Kentucky Children's Hospital click here.
