My story is about my son Alex who is soon to be 17 years old. He is the most amazing human being I have ever met! We adopted Alex when he was 10' months old, from that day on my life has never been the same. Alex lives life to fullest every second of every day. He has taught me not to judge a book by it's cover & not to be afraid to speak to someone I don't know. He has shown me not to be afraid of what other people may think, and that is always OK to laugh and have fun. I know he has inspired many of friends. I can only hope to touch as many people's hearts as Alex already has! Every year when the Buddy Walk® rolls around he goes above and beyond to raise money & encourage people to come out and walk with him. I am proud to say this year he out did himself with a team of over 100 people. He not only wanted them to come walk for him but included his two classmates who also have Down syndrome. It is amazing to watch Alex interact with his friends. I feel he has taught them all patience & compassion. He also has taught them a dance move or two as well! It is fun to walk behind him in the halls at school, between the high fives, fist bumps, and hello hugs it's amazing he gets to where he's going and isn't late. There are very few students who don't know Alex at North Henderson High. I have to say the kids at his school are as amazing as Alex is. In ending I can only hope you all have someone as amazing as Alex in your life. The encouragement he gives along with the hugs and smiles is truly inspiring. The sun is always shining in Alex's world, and I am so very proud of the young man he has become!