It’s hard to believe that four years have passed since I first wrote about Alex Dean, a little girl whose resilience and strength captured the hearts of so many. At just six years old, Alex was already overcoming extraordinary challenges, and now, as a 10-year-old, her story continues to inspire.
Born 14 weeks prematurely in September of 2015, Alex’s arrival into the world was nothing short of a miracle. Her parents, Kala and Jeremy Dean, prayed for their baby from the moment they knew she was on the way. They prayed she would breathe, that she would move, and that she would survive. After 80 hours of labor, Kala could only wonder what the future would hold for her tiny daughter. When Alex was born on September 29, 2015, she weighed just two pounds, three ounces.
But the joy of her birth quickly turned to worry. Hours after she was born, doctors discovered a hole in Alex’s intestine, and her parents’ world shifted. While Kala remained bedridden at St. Vincent’s Hospital, her newborn daughter was rushed to Children’s of Alabama. Kala had yet to hold her baby, and the uncertainty of the situation weighed heavily on her. Thankfully, Alex made it through her first surgery, but that was just the beginning of her medical journey.
As if the battle for Alex’s survival wasn’t difficult enough, two days later, a heart issue was discovered. Over the next few months, Alex faced one health challenge after another. Three months after birth, stomach issues arose, and by four months old, Alex was diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), an eye disorder that could lead to blindness. In January 2016, just months after her birth, Alex needed two weeks at Children’s Hospital after undergoing surgery for intestinal obstructions. Then, in May of that year, Alex faced open-heart surgery to address an aortic valve blockage.
Despite these hurdles, Alex’s story was one of incredible strength. On her hospital room door was a sign that read, “I need prayer, and you need practice.” And prayer was certainly needed, as Alex faced what seemed like insurmountable odds. But with each surgery, each challenge, Alex pushed forward, proving that she was a fighter.
Now, four years later, Kala is proud to share that her daughter, now 10, is flourishing. “We had our yearly cardio appointment in October, and she got a great report,” Kala told me. “Her numbers are still stable, and we’re coming back next year for her checkup, hoping and praying that her numbers remain stable enough to avoid needing open-heart surgery again.”
It’s incredible to hear how far Alex has come. Today, she is thriving in every sense of the word. She’s an active participant in sports, playing volleyball, basketball, and softball. Her sports teams even won their league championships in volleyball, basketball, and softball last year, a testament to her dedication and determination. Alex is also involved in her church and the school theater program, showing that her spirit is as vibrant as ever. She even hit her first inside-the-park home run in softball this past season, an achievement that filled her and her family with immense pride.
“I love running, and I don’t let my heart issue hold me back,” Alex says, her determination clear in every word. She continues to defy the odds, living life to the fullest and showing the world that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with a heart full of hope and strength.
Though Alex has faced hardship along the way—such as the loss of her grandfather a year ago and a fire that destroyed the family home a few years back—she continues to embrace life with a sense of gratitude. Despite the pain and adversity, Alex is breathing in life and feeling blessed. She is living proof that the human spirit can persevere, no matter the circumstances.
For Kala and Jeremy, every day with Alex is a reminder of the power of prayer, love, and resilience. They’ve watched their daughter grow from a tiny, premature infant who fought for her life, into a confident, joyful young girl who excels in sports, in her community, and in everything she sets her mind to. Their journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been filled with moments of triumph, love, and unbreakable strength.
Today, as we reflect on Alex’s journey, we are reminded of the incredible strength that exists within every child. Alex’s story is one of hope, perseverance, and the belief that miracles are possible, even in the darkest of times. She is a living testament to the power of a family’s love, the importance of never giving up, and the ability to overcome even the most difficult challenges.
As Alex continues to grow and thrive, her family remains grateful for every moment with her. Her story is far from over, and with each passing year, Alex continues to inspire those around her with her resilience and her determination to live life to the fullest. The road has been long, but it has been paved with love, prayer, and the unwavering belief that nothing is impossible.
Thank you to Kala and Jeremy Dean for sharing Alex’s story with us and for allowing us to witness this incredible journey. May Alex continue to shine bright, running free, and embracing the life she deserves.