BERNALILLO, N.M. – A Bernalillo father is fighting for his daughter’s health as she battles stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma.
Brad Hargrave’s 6-year-old gymnast daughter, Lexi, is facing the challenges of childhood cancer, which goes beyond medical bills to include keeping the family connected between home and hospital.
“Lexi had a little accident at the playground,” Hargrave said, recalling how she played on the monkey bars. “She could go on any monkey bars and go across three or four times in a row and not get tired. So the fact that she lost strength and fell, that was alarming all on its own.”
The pain from the fall persisted, making it difficult for Lexi to walk, leading to a cancer diagnosis after a full medical workup.
“When you hear that C-word, you just kind of think about, will they see their next birthday? Will they see their next five birthdays? Well, you know, will you see them go to college? Will you see them grow up?” Hargrave said.
Lexi has undergone biopsies, a feeding tube, stem cell removal, and chemotherapy, which have taken her away from gymnastics and school.
“Not being able to go to school,” Lexi said, expressing her frustration.
“We’ve gotten a couple of times where she breaks down and just says, ‘why this happened to me?’ She wants to know why she’s sick,” Hargrave said. “There’s no way to explain that to a 6-year-old, you know?”
Lexi’s neuroblastoma is caused by a rare genetic mutation, leaving no clear explanation for her condition.
“What makes you so brave?” Emily Faith asked.
“Breathing,” Lexi replied. “(Takes a deep breath) That’s how we do it.”
Her strength is bolstered by the love and support from those around her, including gifts from teachers and community support.
“What’s the big thing that you got from one of your teachers at school?” Hargrave asked. “A big panda!” Lexi said.
The local fire department and Santa Ana Casino Starlight Bowling Lanes are supporting a fundraiser for Lexi.
“They agreed to give me the entire bowling alley for the morning of Jan. 11,” Hargrave said. “We are trying to raise money so that we can help with other families, not just our own.”
“How does it make you feel that everybody cares about you?” Hargrave asked. “Happy,” Lexi said.
The fundraiser for Lexi and other children battling cancer is set for Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Starlight Bowling Lanes. There is also a GoFundMe page for Lexi.
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