In honor of Alex de Bont, a fellow 7th grade mustang who was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma, Canyon Vista hosted a student versus faculty volleyball game on Friday, November 22nd to raise money for Alex’s chosen foundation, St. Baldrick’s.

Alex was first diagnosed in 2010 when he started getting pains in his legs. He has been through several treatments as the cancer spread to his pelvis and femur bone. Alex is now going through chemotherapy, a treatment that kills cancer cells, and hopes to be done by June 2014. The volleyball game was dedicated to Alex’s courageous actions and upbeat attitude.

Both the faculty and the students competed well; the faculty pulled ahead against the 7th graders during the first game while the 8th graders were victorious during the second. The faculty team consisted of Coach Nielsen, Coach Scott, Coach Azios, Coach Stevenson, Coach Salazar, Mr. Acosta, Mrs. Bruce, Ms. Stehn, Mr. Williams, Mr. Ramirez and Mrs.Buentello. Nielsen and “Power Server” Scott helped their team succeed over their opponents. The student team consisted mostly of students from athletics. Valika C., a 7th grader who participated in the game, said she liked playing because it helped Alex and was for a good cause.

In the end it was a great game with crowds roaring with excitement. The chanting of Alex’s name brought students to their feet. Their enthusiastic spirit set great vibes throughout the gym. Coach Govea ended the event by broadcasting that in total, Canyon Vista raised $8,500 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation! Canyon Vista was also able to give Alex a basket full of his favorite things to show support for him.

We hope that Alex feels better and knows that we, as mustangs, really do care about him.