Join Alex Clark's Journey to Beat Cancer

Alex Clark is not only our brother, but he is also our very best friend. He is an exceptional person who gives selflessly, supports unconditionally, and loves hard on all that are close to him. And what makes him even more special, is that he shows that same level of concern for perfect strangers. He has a deep understanding of people and always seems to find the right words of encouragement or advice when it’s needed most. In his role as a school counselor, he has changed the lives of so many through his ability to sense the student’s needs and show up for them in the way that means the most. He has literally saved lives of multiple students by having such strong intuition and empathy.

Another defining characteristic of Alex is his sense of humor. He is the master of self-deprecating humor and can ease tension and encourage laughter in any situation. Whether it’s movie quotes that you may or may not get the reference to, or a cringe-worthy dad joke, you can’t help but laugh and find joy when you’re with him. It’s not unusual for Alex to break out in song in his “pitch perfect” voice that undoubtedly results in his wife’s smile and an eruption of giggles from his kids.

He is a devoted husband to Alissa, and a father to four incredible children Aspen(11), Linden(9), Shae(7), and Rowan (4). Everyday in their household is an adventure and Alex creates a safe space for his children to explore, test their limits and be their authentic selves. For example, they don’t just go for walks in the woods with their Daddy; instead, he uses his imagination to transform the creek into a crocodile infested river, or the squirrels overhead to carriers of secret messages of where to find hidden treasure. This fun and full way that he has taught his family to experience life speaks to his amazing qualities as a father. Our own children, Alex’s nieces and nephews, also treasure these experiences and have been deeply influenced by him as well.

Faith has been central in Alex’s life. As kids, Alex and Chris would do devotions together before bed and discuss the lyrics of songs by Jars of Clay and Caedman’s Call - contemporary Christian bands. In fact, it was at his Christian College, Eastern University, where he met his beautiful wife Alissa and fell in love. He and his family now attend Soma Church in Tyler, TX. You may wonder where Alex gets the intuition to read how others are feeling, knowing something is not quite right, or the ability to diffuse any situation with laughter? It’s his relationship with the Lord. Alex’s whole life has been centered on one thing and that is his love for Jesus. Even as a young man he has had faith that could move mountains and the obedience to follow God. He has always been sensitive to the Lord’s leading in big situations like moving across the country to little things like feeling led to spend intentional time with each of his kids every day. In fact, Alex has entered a new phase of life where he is grieving deeply, but wanting nothing more than to glorify Jesus no matter what happens.

Recently Alex went to the doctor for abdominal pain and was blindsided to learn that he has been diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer, and found that it had spread to his liver. There are other complications as well that are time sensitive and require immediate action. As you can imagine, this news has been devastating for their young family as they try to navigate the road in front of them. While the emotional and physical demands are at the forefront, the growing financial demands are weighing heavy on the family, with costly treatment expenses and the fact that Alex is going to be out of work for the foreseeable future.

As we’ve mentioned though, Alex is a man of faith. That, combined with his fighting spirit and his relentless determination, he is ready to fight this cancer with everything he’s got. He is confident that this is not the end of the story and truly believes that God is going to heal him. Please wrap your arms around their family in this time of need and help ease their burden in any way that you are able. Let’s fight alongside Alex and show him that he is so loved!

Alex’s brother Chris will be creating an account and managing the funds for Alex, giving Alex open access to the funds as needed. Alex has asked Chris to assist in this way, as he focuses his attention and efforts on treatments and healing and Chris has agreed to support Alex in this way.

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ -Jesus, Matthew 25:37-40