Make A Child Smile

Hello, my name is Alexandra.

I'm 38 years old, married to a wonderful man named Rick and mom of 2 four-legged babies, Taz, a Lhasa Apso, and Buddy, a Golden Retriever who is now an "Angel" in Heaven.

We live in Sunrise, Florida.

Even though I was born in London, England, I actually consider myself Brazilian, since it was in São Paulo, Brazil where I grew up and lived all my life (except for 1 year in Medford, MA and 1 year in Paris, France). I moved to the U.S. in 1996 and a few years later, became a United States Citizen. I really love it here!!

People often ask me why I created the Make A Child Smile website...

No... I don't have kids or relatives with cancer nor any other serious illnesses. Back in February of 1998, someone sent me a link to a website where there was a picture of a rose and a poem. This website belonged to a 9 year old girl who was battling cancer. Her parents were asking people to send cards in the mail to cheer her up, even if you did not know her. She LOVED getting mail, specially seeing where they came from.

Well, I thought that the idea of sending cards to sick children was something so easy and simple to do. Doesn't take much time, doesn't cost much money and WHO DOESN'T LOVE TO GET MAIL (other than bills!!)??? Even we adults do, imagine a little kid?? And I am talking about REAL mail... A card that someone took the time to buy or create.. Then this person took the time to sit down and write a few words... A card with the person's handwriting on it... So why not make a website where people could read about what these kids go through and then send them cards and little gifts in the mail??? A website that would feature kids with different illnesses all in one place.

The Make A Child Smile website was born in May of 1998 and officially had its first Featured Kids in June/98. Since then, it has done wonders not only to the kids featured, but to their families, siblings and to the people out there who have been sending cards and gifts to these kids every month.. Elementary Schools, Girls/Boys Scouts, Church Groups, etc.. use the MACS website as a monthly project and have kids write to the children featured here. I was told by teachers that their students can't wait until the 1st of the month to read about the new featured kids.

Make A Child Smile has also taught many people about different illnesses, medical terms and we've even received e-mails from High School students saying that they had been coming to MACS for a long time and the website played a big role when choosing their career in Pediatrics, Oncology, Physical Therapist, Nurse, Internal Medicine, etc..

I NEVER thought that this website would make an impact in so many people's lives and all this makes me VERY HAPPY!!!

If I had one wish, it would be to meet in person all the kids that have been featured on MACS. Unfortunately that's not possible because some kids have already gone to Heaven and some live too far away from me, but thankfully, I already had the pleasure of meeting a few kids and their family in person. It's indescribable to meet someone who's life you touched!

Well, it was nice meeting you.
Come back again soon!

Love,