University of Central Missouri: As Loss Hits Home with Fraternity Member, ATO Raises Funds to Give Hope to Children with Cancer

While the loss of his 17-year-old sister was devastating for University of Central Missouri senior Alex Deke, the caring response of his fraternity brothers to honor her memory has not only touched the hearts of Deke and his family, but will make a difference in the lives of other young people who are struggling with this serious health issue.

Deke is a Buckner, Missouri native and graduate of Fort Osage High School who plans to finish his marketing degree at UCM in fall 2023. Early in the 2022 fall semester, he was an instrumental to an effort by Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity that raised $3,000 by sponsoring, planning and executing a charity golf tournament with all proceeds going to the Kansas City non-profit organization Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer. The event celebrating the life of Aspen Deke took place at the Mules National Golf Club at the Pertle Springs recreational area.

The idea for the event came as a surprise to Deke as he was still reeling from his younger sister’s passing in February 2021. While he had taken off the spring semester at UCM to cope with the loss of Aspen, he said he will long remember the encouraging message he received from one of his ATO members informing him of the group’s proposed fundraiser.

“One of my fraternity brothers texted me and said, ‘We are wanting to do a signature event and are wondering if you would be okay if it is in Aspen’s honor,’” Deke recalled. “I was like, ‘Absolutely. Of course. That would be amazing.’”

Deke didn’t have to think very long in answering the next question about who should be the recipient of any proceeds raised. He was well familiar with Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer, which was there to support his sister throughout her bout with illness. According to its president, Deliece Hofen, the organization has awarded more than $4.7 million since its founding for awareness and treatments of childhood cancers to help bring children affected by them hope for a future.

Aspen was diagnosed at age 4 with the Philadelphia chromosome positive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her initial prognosis was dire, but she beat cancer three times in her young lifetime. Although she continued to fight hard, her weakened immune system met its toughest and final match when it was hit by COVID-19.

Despite the health obstacles she faced, her family will always remember Aspen Deke as an inspiration to all who knew her.

“She always kept a really good attitude,” Deke said. “She was known around the hospital and the local cancer community around Kansas City for just being the most positive person you could think of.”

Her positive energy also was embraced by ATO, which is an organization that prides itself in giving members opportunities to gain valuable leadership skills while also contributing service to others. Such opportunities were exactly what they were looking for in determining a “signature” event to help a charity. Deke said every member of the organization pitched in to make the golf tournament possible – doing everything from logistics and registration to marketing and publicity – all opportunities to not only provide hope for other children but providing valuable learning opportunities for everyone involved.

Hofen was so pleased by the efforts of these young men, shortly after the event she took time to write a letter to UCM President Roger Best to express her deep appreciation for those who made it possible.

“I have rarely been more impressed with a group of young men in my life! Last night, I had the opportunity to meet in person with Dalton White, Hayden Ellis, Garrett Raynor, Keegan Allen, and Alex Deke, and I was so grateful for the time I got to spend with them,” Hofen noted. “These young men and their ATO brothers, are truly amazing! Their maturity, professionalism, and eagerness to do something to help others is admirable and something that I think most people could learn a great deal from about how to be part of their community and intentionally and selflessly provide hope/help to others.”

Deke said his fraternity brothers plan to make Braden’s Hope an ongoing part of their philanthropy. He expects another signature event to be built around the organization during the next academic year. While no definite plans have been announced, one thing Deke is certain about is his appreciation for ATO.

“The best way I can put it is that there has never been a better confirmation that I chose the right fraternity or the right group of brothers. They didn’t have to do this. They certainly weren’t obligated, and I didn’t ask them,” he said in talking about the Braden’s Hope fundraiser. “They took it upon themselves to do this event in Aspen’s honor because they knew how much she meant to me. It was incredible. I cannot thank them enough.”