Men of League Foundation member Alex was born with a hole in the heart (VSD) and when he was just three years old, he was diagnosed with verbal dyspraxia. When Alex was five, he suffered his first seizure and has been medicated ever since.
In 2014, Alex suffered pancreatitis from his epilepsy drug, meaning that he could no longer take it. This has resulted in Alex suffering up to seven seizures a day. He has also recently had surgery for injuries sustained during a fall.
It had always been Alex’s dream to watch his favourite rugby league team, Melbourne Storm, at their home ground AAMI Park, Melbourne. Wellbeing Manager, Ben Ross received a letter from Alex’s mother, Cheryl, explaining that life had dealt Alex with some extremely tough breaks during his 21 years. Cheryl was hopeful the Foundation could help her create the experience of a lifetime for Alex by having him attend a Storm match.
Last weekend, Alex, Cheryl and Alex’s younger brother Braden, travelled to Melbourne from Nowra as part of Alex’s 21st birthday. Little did they know; our Melbourne Committee had partnered with the Melbourne Storm to organise a 21st birthday experience of a lifetime based around the Storm and Sharks NRL match.
Saturday saw the family attend the Captain's Run at Goschs Paddock in the morning. Here, they were all welcomed to the Men of League Foundation marque and presented with Foundation polo shirts and caps. Billy Slater called in to say hi and introduce himself – proving again what a credit to our game he is. After being taken on a tour of the Storm Office including the boardroom and inner sanctum of the Melbourne Storm, they were all presented with tickets to the game and dressing room access. Tickets were all generously supplied by Frank Ponissi and the Melbourne Storm.
Read the full story from Men of League.
ANZAC Day Blockbuster. Storm v Warriors, 7pm, April 25th. Don’t miss out!
