Fraters Donate Hope, Money For Disabled Child
FAIRFAX, Va. - Born eight years ago with cerebral palsy, Alexander Asmar, Jr. seemed fated to a life defined by constant aid and personal assistance. But thanks in part to the positive support and generous donation of Mu-Omega Chapter members (George Mason University), Alexander may one day live a more independent life then once was thought possible.
After two years and dozens of fundraisers, the local chapter as well as numerous international overseeing officers of TKE presented to Asmar and his family a check for $4000 last week in the Johnson Center. His parents, Alexander Sr. and Vivian Asmar, will use the money towards his therapy and a new wheelchair, one that will greatly improve his mobility.
When Alexander wheeled into the conference room with his head held high, smiling from ear to ear, he was eagerly greeted by the fraters of Mu-Omega chapter as though he was an old childhood chum. They were overjoyed in part because the last time most of the brothers saw Alexander, he could barely lift his head off his shoulder.
This past summer, he underwent six weeks of intensive therapy developed by Hungarian doctor Andras Peto. Vivian explained that the therapy was paid out of pocket because insurance does not cover it. This makes the donation from TKE significant because "most can't afford the treatment."
Alexander Sr., who works for the Inter-American Development Bank, went on to describe the nature of the treatment: "It's like a tough love, but they are the most caring people. He has to do as much as he can on his own. The theory is he has to put all the effort forward." The father beamed with pride for his son. "We are so blessed that we can have a conversation with our son. He's exceeded all expectations except for his own."
Mu-Omega Prytanis Brad Glatfelter talked about the time the fraternity first met Asmar. They had already agreed to support and fund Asmar's treatment even before ever meeting him, but when then-chapter advisor Bob Howland brought Alexander to an annual alumni softball game, he quickly captured all the hearts of the chapter.
Glatfelter himself was impressed, "we all loved his enthusiasm. He's overcome a lot and we are glad to be part of it." At the time the fraternity intended to collect $2000 to go towards therapy and training of his new aid dog, named "Teke." After the game, the brothers decided that it wasn't enough.
"Alexander has the kind of affect on people. He inspires people to do great things," said his father, Alexander Sr.
With a strong presence of the Grand Council, it is safe to say that the continuation of this charity will be strongly supported. When Alexander Sr. asked, "If you guys can keep on doing this for those in need-if you can help just one child to go to this therapy." Howland responded with the assurance that he would like to do so in Alexander's name.
TKE isn't the only one fundraising to battle cerebral palsy. According to his mother, Alexander on his own has collected nearly $4400 in donations for the Cerebral Palsy Ability Center.
"Since insurance does not recognize the treatment, we depend on donations. The number of donations the center receives brings costs down for everyone and makes scholarships possible," Alexander, Sr. said. "These kids come out doing so much better. People don't think they get it because of their handicap, but they get it."
What does the future hold for Alexander? Thanks to the support of his family, the fraters of Mu-Omega and the therapy, Alexander can already stand with some help and can take small steps. His father's words echo what many in the room hope for:
"Wouldn't it be great for him to someday walk into this university, as part of this fraternity?" His words were met with unanimous agreement from all those in the room.
Adapted from Broadside Online News Story. If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.