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(DECEMBER 25, 2009 - CHRISTMAS) It was a hard year for 11 year old Alexis. She battled to overcome a lot of family hardships, school, weathering grandma's illness and getting to her boxing. Working hard to find her place in this world she struggled with anger issues and had been working them out through her boxing program.

This year saw Alexis partnered with Jennifer "the Razor" Barber as a mentor and she was able to attend her first Professional boxing show. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, California, a fairly new venue for boxing, donated the tickets for Alexis to attend the show with her grandmother. With her dream to become a world champion boxer, this was a part of making that dream come to life from the venue with a heart.

Alexis with Jennifer Barber

But the story does not stop there....because Alexis worked so hard to make changes in her life, and because there was another dream yet to be fulfilled, Alexis found herself on the way to LA. What was awaiting her in LA would be a present that she had been dreaming of, but was sure would never come to be. We made one stop on the way and picked up Alexis' newest friend in boxing, Kaliesha West.

West posing with Alexis

Not sure what was really going on and thinking that she was only going to lunch in LA, we arrived on the door step of a home she did not recognize. "Who lives here?" she asked...."the cook" we told her. When the door opened Alexis just stood there staring. Do you know who this is? I asked her. She couldn't answer. Alexis, I said......this is Laila Ali. With Alexis still dazed and surprised, Laila led us into the kitchen where we were indeed about to have lunch, only the cook was Laila Ali herself! Soon after our arrival, Alexis' mentor Jennifer Barber arrived....the surprise was now complete! We had a wonderful lunch and spent time visiting with Laila, Curtis and CJ. All entertainment was to be provided by 15 month old CJ Conway who despite being a bit uncomfortable with teething....charmed all the ladies in the house!

Laila Ali

Alexis and Kaliesha watch Laila prepare
lunch

Dreams do come true. And they came true in a big way for Alexis. When the women of boxing come together to nurture and strengthen the spirit of a little girl, when people from a venue like Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa reach out to lend a hand, then dreams become a reality. Everyone's life was changed through the contibutions of a few. The women that showed up to support each other and this little girl are awesome. So thank you for keeping the dream of a young girl alive and making this a most memorable Christmas for her. Thanks to: Laila Ali for an amazing meal and welcoming us into your home. Mia St. John for coming all the way out here at the drop of a hat! Layla McCarter, Kasha Chamblin, Dierdre Gogarty for showing your kindness and affection to Alexis. To Kaliesha West for being a friend to a little girl that needs one. Jennifer Barber for being an excellent example of what a mentor looks like. And to Phil Cooper and Therese Everett-Kerley of Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, California for knowing what it takes to make a dream come true. And the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians who do everything they can to help the local community. Because all of you cared.....I know Alexis will never forget this Christmas!

Mia St. John, Kaliesha West, Layla McCarter, Kasha Chamblin, Dierdre Gogarty, Jennifer barber, Alexis

Alexis and World Champion Timothy Bradley