His name is Alexander, and by all counts he's a normal nine-year-old boy. He loves Godzilla and King Kong, dinosaurs and nature. He's also battling cancer.
Alexander Goodwin posts updates on his Twitter page, which caught KCK Police Chief Terry Zeigler's eye. "Alex puts a video on Twitter most mornings and typically at the end he'll say, but you have a great day," Zeigler shared. "I was like this is kind of cool man. This kid is kind of neat to me. I liked that inspirational message he had so I started following him on Twitter."
Arrived safely in Atlanta thanks to @VirginAtlantic Already met some really kind people. Just about to take off to land in Kansas City!! ?? pic.twitter.com/tGRXuMX7AK
— Alexander's Journey (@alexs_journey) December 14, 2016
Alexander's dad Jeff Goodwin, who has been a police officer in the U.K. for the last 15 years, reached out to Zeigler for help. While researching treatment for his son, he saw Kansas. "I hoped for a reply," Goodwin said. "I got much more than that. It was amazing. Absolutely amazing. I'm indebted to him."
Zeigler called Dr. Wetzel at The University of Kansas Hospital, who connected the Goodwin family with Dr. Rosenthal WHO has successfully done the exact surgery Alexander needs.
"We received a lot of help from our community, from the law enforcement community and even nationally received support when we lost our two officers. Our department wants to give back and this is our way of doing it."
Welcome to #KC @alexs_journey ? Big crowd here to receive him & his family! Full story tonight at 10 on @41actionnews ? pic.twitter.com/mhiKFkHIaI
— Dia Wall (@DiaWall) December 15, 2016
Goodwin says his family is simply overwhelmed with the welcome and generosity they've received from the Kansas City community.
Alexander's surgery is set for January. He will have to return to Kansas City every few months for treatment. KCK Police have set up a fund to help the Goodwin family cover medical expenses. Just drop by headquarters and let them know you want to donate to the Alexander's Journey Fund.
Dozens of police officers from multiple departments at @KCIAirport to welcome @alexs_journey & his family to KC in minutes! @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/vJBzjnrfQf
— Dia Wall (@DiaWall) December 15, 2016
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