“Alexander’s Journey: Dum Spiro Spero”

/ heughansheughligans

Hello Heughligans! Pull up a chair, have a seat, and get your eyes ready to read this long post. 😊

I would like to talk to you about a boy I met recently who has ties to the Outlander fandom. His name is Alexander Goodwin and he lives in England.  He has a remarkable story that his father captured in the book “Alexander’s Journey: Dum Spiro Spero”. Support from the Outlander fandom is part of his story. Alex is in remission from Ewing Sarcoma Cancer that was in his right pelvis and femur. It almost took his life. Through the global power of social media, Alex and his family found themselves traveling to Kansas and Missouri for life saving treatment. During it all Alex maintained his smile and positive attitude.  If you are on Twitter, then I am sure you have seen his interactions with Diana Gabaldon, Stephen Walters, Mark Hamill, and William Shatner.

Alex and Shatner

Alex and William Shatner at Planet Comicon Kansas City March 2019

 

Along with my Heughligan duties, I am the General Manager for a coffee shop located in a public library and I am a volunteer for Planet Comicon Kansas City (PCKC) as a Lead Superhero (Manager) for the Volunteer and Information Services. At PCKC I oversee three departments, one of which is our ADA Services.  During this year’s show I went to check on the ADA Services Superhero to see how things were going and see if she needed anything. I met her out on the show floor as she was escorting someone for the day. I look to my right and THERE WAS ALEX! I gasped! I was so excited to see him but tried to reel it in so I wouldn’t scare the young lad! We have followed Alex through our HH twitter account for the last few years. He and his Dad, Jeff, were at PCKC as special guests to William Shatner. Throughout the weekend I was able to take time to assist in escorting them around the convention center to enjoy the show.  Alex gifted me with a signed copy of his book, and I cherish it.

Alex must make many more visits to Kansas and Missouri for many years to come. He must return every 3 months for blood tests and for monitoring of his leg. There is a chance the cancer could return. Of course, these trips are not free and the medical insurance the family has does not cover Alexander’s treatment in the US. All expenses are paid out of pocket by the Goodwin family. Sales from the book help pay for Alex’s continuing treatment.

 

Jeff and Alex at PCKC

Alex and Jeff Goodwin

After I read “Alexander’s Journey” I was so moved, it got my wheels turning.  Since my shop is inside a library, I have a relationship with the Library Director. I personally purchased two copies of “Alexander’s Journey” and donated them on behalf of Heughan’s Heughligans to the library to be added to their catalog and placed on the shelves for patrons to check out on their own. This is a unique situation. Not everyone can donate books to the library and have them placed on the shelves.  They are usually put in a “to be sold” pile to raise funds for the library.

AJ Book

“Alexander’s Journey” written by Alex’s father, Jeff Goodwin

And now I come to the reason for this post.  I have a challenge for you, Heughligans. We have done amazing things as a fan group and you often make us Admins proud with your support and generosity for Sam’s supported charities. I am hoping we can do more amazing things.

Here is the challenge… I want us to band together in our regional groups, go to your local library, speak/email with the Library Director about a “Request for Purchase”, and get Alexander’s Journey on the shelves of your library.

Book and library sign

Whaaaaaat? You say? Yes! I say!!…and no, this might not be an easy peasy thing to accomplish. As I stated earlier, I have a business relationship with the library my shop is in so I was able to speak with the Branch Director about tips and tricks on how make this happen. (See, I told you this was going to be a long post!)

Here is what you do:

So, GO! Get out there and work your Heughligan magic to spread the word of this boy’s uplifting and inspiring story! If you have questions, please email us at: heughansheughligans@gmail.com.

DG with Alexanders Journey Book

Picture via Diana Gabaldon’s Facebook page

One thought on ““Alexander’s Journey: Dum Spiro Spero””

  1. First of all I’m a latecomer to the Outlander series and have been enchanted with Sam Heughan’s acting. Sam is one year older than my youngest son and of course as they say “a hunk.” But that doesn’t say anything about this young actor’s talent. He has an amazing way of drawing viewers in, of playing so sincerely his part that you can imagine being there, imagine and feel the intensities of the various moments. I have seen Clark Gable, John Wayne, Bogart and all actors to this day and I just want to be on record at my age, having been a teacher in the schools, and earning two BA degrees, as predicting future astonishing acting success for Samuel. I noticed on one interview show that Diana Galbaldon teased Samuel with the name “grotesque.” I think that was the whisky showing on her part. In no way is Samuel grotesque. And oddly, this is the FIRST time I have ever joined a fan club for anyone. Even when I loved music groups of the sixties and seventies or actors from those eras and the ones that followed…never did I join a fan club. But I want you all to know and Samuel as well, that he has a special gift and I can also tell that his heart is still tender. He is a sensitive soul and this is part of his talent and his inner quest to be excellent. I have been care-taking my husband with a mental disorder and the Outlander series has helped me cope immensely. It was a beautiful escape and made me cry and laugh, feel sexy, and marvel at the beauty and marvel at the times portrayed and the magic, mercy, and horror of it all. Mr. Hueghan brought it home for me. Thank you Mr. Hueghan! I also have Scottish heritage…Steward, Logan, and McLaughlin.

Leave a comment