About Alec
A Big Personality. A Big Heart. A Legacy That Lives On.
Alec Litchard was a larger-than-life kid who did everything big, bold, and with his whole heart. He loved his family and friends, playing football and baseball, riding four-wheelers, playing video games, and—more than anything—making people laugh and smile.
His infectious smile, adventurous spirit, and love for life made an impact on everyone who knew him.
But Alec also had an incredible heart for others. It was that compassion, even during the most difficult time in his own life, that would become the inspiration for Alec’s Angels Foundation.
Alec's Cancer Journey
In 2023, at just 10 years old, Alec suffered what appeared to be a sports injury while playing youth football. When the injury didn’t improve despite physical therapy and numerous doctor appointments, his symptoms became more concerning. Alec began losing his appetite and experiencing increasing pain in his pelvic region.
In October 2023, Alec was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that most commonly affects children, teenagers, and young adults.
Alec and his family made the decision to travel from their home in Central Pennsylvania to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for his treatment—a trip of approximately three hours each way.
For nearly a year, traveling back and forth for appointments and treatment became part of their lives. Through that experience, Alec and his family learned firsthand just how mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially difficult a pediatric cancer diagnosis can be for an entire family.
Alec Wanted to Help Other Kids
Even while facing his own cancer journey, Alec was thinking about other children going through the same thing.
He understood what it was like for families to travel long distances for treatment and wanted to help with some of the everyday expenses that come along with it—things like lodging, gas, meals, and other necessities.
Alec also knew how overwhelming treatment could feel for a child. The pokes, procedures, appointments, tests, and difficult conversations can become a lot to carry.
Alec loved stuffed animals and had an idea: give children undergoing cancer treatment a special stuffed animal they could turn to when they were scared, worried, or sad.
He called them “Worry Pets.”
Alec wanted these stuffed animals to provide a little comfort during some very difficult days. Supporting Child Life Specialists and providing Worry Pets to pediatric oncology patients became an important part of the vision he had for helping other children.
Carrying Alec's Vision Forward
Alec passed away on November 14, 2024, but the compassion behind his ideas did not end with his passing.
In 2025, his family established Alec’s Angels Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to carrying his vision forward.
Today, the Foundation works to support pediatric cancer patients and their families by helping provide financial assistance through hospital social workers, support for travel and lodging needs, comfort items for children undergoing treatment, and resources for Child Life programs.
The Foundation also supports groundbreaking pediatric cancer research and innovative care, including efforts at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where Alec received treatment.
What began as one young boy’s desire to make things a little easier for other kids has become a mission that continues to touch families facing pediatric cancer.
Forever Part of Alec
Alec will always be remembered for far more than cancer.
He was a son, a friend, an athlete, and a kid who loved life.
He loved football and baseball. He loved riding four-wheelers and playing video games. He loved being surrounded by his family and friends. And he loved making people smile.
Though his time here was far too short, Alec’s light continues to shine through the people who loved him, the community that continues to honor him, and every child and family helped in his name.
Alec’s legacy reminds us that even in the most difficult circumstances, kindness can create hope.
And through Alec’s Angels Foundation, his big heart continues to make a difference.
Help us Contine Alec's Legacy
Together, we can bring hope and support to more children and families facing pediatric cancer.
