Huntley girl pays it forward: It took blood donations and a stem cell transplant to save her life

An 8-year-old girl from Huntley is turning her personal journey into a mission to help others.

Alexa Lamonica, who underwent a life-saving stem cell transplant at just 2½ months old, has made it her goal to give back to the community after surviving severe combined immunodeficiency disease, often referred to as “bubble boy” disease.

This rare disorder prevents children from developing a functional immune system, leaving them vulnerable to infections. The condition gained widespread recognition from the 1976 film “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.” During her hospital stay, Alexa received several blood transfusions, crucial to her survival.

Since then, every year on the anniversary of her life-saving stem cell transplant — what her family lovingly calls her “Life Day” — Alexa does something to pay it forward.

“She has collected and donated items to the Ronald McDonald House, toys for children’s hospitals, and raised money for organizations like The Immune Deficiency Foundation and SCID Angels for Life,” said her mom, Michelle Lamonica.

This year, Alexa chose to hand out gift cards to blood donors at the Vitalant Donation Center in Crystal Lake. Alexa went in with her parents, Scott and Michelle.

The three passed out Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe gift cards. The gift cards were tucked in a blue envelope bearing a heartfelt message: “8 years ago, someone like you helped save my life. Thank you for saving lives!”

“I don’t think you can ever repay someone for the gift of life, but we choose to celebrate her Life Day by giving back to others and spreading kindness,” Michelle said.

While no one can truly repay the gift of life, the Lamonica family chooses to celebrate Alexa’s journey by spreading kindness and gratitude. Today, thanks to blood donors and her successful stem cell transplant, Alexa enjoys a thriving life, with her doctors continuing to monitor her progress.

If you would like to become a blood donor, visit vitalant.org.