In 2005, Michael and I were blessed with our first child, a beautiful baby girl named Alexandra. Alex was truly special—outgoing, funny, witty, and remarkably mature for her age. She embraced life with joy, exploring new experiences in music, food, and adventure. She had a natural affection for little kids, especially her baby brother, Lucas. Even at just 3 yrs old, she was engaging in conversations with people of all ages. She was incredibly intelligent, excelling in spelling and math beyond her years. She was perfect in every way.
We lived in Brooklyn, in an apartment nestled between two playgrounds. Alex's love for those playgrounds was boundless. She would run freely, swinging, sliding, playing with friends, and striking up conversations with everyone she met.
Tragically, Alex’s life was cut short in 2008. In her memory, my husband and I founded Alexandra’s Playground to honor her extraordinary spirit. Despite her brief years, Alex accomplished so much and had so much potential to do wonderful things. To fill the void left by her absence and to celebrate her love of play, we dedicated ourselves to creating opportunities for safe, active childhood experiences.
Since our founding, we have built and funded over 40 playgrounds across NY-NJ-CT region, the U.S, and internationally in Haiti and Afghanistan. We provide safe play programs for thousands of children each year, fund swim lessons for youth in low-income communities, distribute countless Summer Fun: Just Play! activity bags, and promote year-round movement through #Active4Alexandra.
Our efforts have touched over 45,000 children and their families, often culminating in community-building events that unite volunteers, families, and partners. Alex’s spirit is what drives us. She is with us every day—alive in the smiles of the children we serve. When we see a new playground completed, distribute a Summer Fun bag, or witness the joy on a child's face, I am certain that Alex is there with us—her energy and love inspiring each step we take.
We lived in Brooklyn, in an apartment nestled between two playgrounds. Alex's love for those playgrounds was boundless. She would run freely, swinging, sliding, playing with friends, and striking up conversations with everyone she met.
Tragically, Alex’s life was cut short in 2008. In her memory, my husband and I founded Alexandra’s Playground to honor her extraordinary spirit. Despite her brief years, Alex accomplished so much and had so much potential to do wonderful things. To fill the void left by her absence and to celebrate her love of play, we dedicated ourselves to creating opportunities for safe, active childhood experiences.
Since our founding, we have built and funded over 40 playgrounds across NY-NJ-CT region, the U.S, and internationally in Haiti and Afghanistan. We provide safe play programs for thousands of children each year, fund swim lessons for youth in low-income communities, distribute countless Summer Fun: Just Play! activity bags, and promote year-round movement through #Active4Alexandra.
Our efforts have touched over 45,000 children and their families, often culminating in community-building events that unite volunteers, families, and partners. Alex’s spirit is what drives us. She is with us every day—alive in the smiles of the children we serve. When we see a new playground completed, distribute a Summer Fun bag, or witness the joy on a child's face, I am certain that Alex is there with us—her energy and love inspiring each step we take.