Alex, 8:

I wish to have a backyard skating rink

Alex is an active 8-year-old boy who eats, sleeps and breathes hockey. But he lives with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which requires monthly sessions of chemotherapy to help him fight the disease. Alex seldom lets his medical condition keep him from the skating rink and the sport he loves. So, it was no surprise when the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of New Hampshire and Betty Crocker^® asked him to name his one true wish, Alex quickly asked for a skating rink... in his backyard!

Summertime in New Hampshire can be hot – but Alex was skating on his new 24-by-48-foot synthetic ice rink in August, thanks to the hard work of local volunteers. Local companies donated the supplies. Players from some of Alex's favorite hockey teams, the University of New Hampshire and the Rochester Blackhawks, came to celebrate his special day with him. Even the Manchester Monarchs mascot made an appearance. A highlight of the event was when Alex was presented with his own custom-made jersey and a very special trophy to commemorate his wish.

Alex and his family are especially grateful for the rink – when Alex is practicing and playing with his friends, he can forget about his illness and just be a kid.