Alexandra “Allie” Ewing of Edison has been playing sports since she was four. The 11-year-old was recently found to have a brain tumor and is awaiting a biopsy. (Submitted photo)
Much has been written and talked about on this website regarding the sense of community fostered by sports in Edison, whether it’s a beloved baseball coach and mentor passing away, or the youth football programs that helped bring the Edison High Eagles their first state championship in more than three decades.
Now, that community is coming together again, to rally behind Alexandra “Allie” Ewing.
She’s just eleven, and not long after the New Year, she was having some stomach issues. Probably nothing major, her family thought.
She was out of school for a few weeks, but couldn’t seem to get over it. She’d been tired, and took a nap. But when she woke up Monday night, she was exhibiting tell-tale signs of a possible stroke. Facial drooping, lack of mobility.
Off they went to the hospital, and an immediate CAT scan discovered what turned out to be a golf ball-sized mass on her brain. Emergency surgery was successful, for now, and she’s spent the last few days recovering, and waiting for results of a biopsy.
A bright, full-of-life pre-teen, Allie and her parents have been active in the local youth sports scene, playing softball, soccer, and even football with the boys of the Edison Jets. She started with Edison boys’ baseball when she was four.
Alexandra “Allie” Ewing of Edison playing the field in baseball. (Submitted photo) 
Alexandra “Allie” Ewing of Edison at football practice. (Submitted photo) 
Alexandra “Allie” Ewing of Edison on the football field. (Submitted photo) 
Alexandra “Allie” Ewing of Edison on her Midtown softball team. (Submitted photo) 
Alexandra “Allie” Ewing of Edison on her Royals’ EBBL softball team. (Submitted photo)
“Since the first day I met her, she had a ‘Never quit” and ‘Don’t tell me I can’t do it’ attitude,” says Edison Boys Baseball League President Brian Calantoni. “Our athletes are always taught to use what they learn on the field and at practice and utilize it in real life situations. We know she won’t ever give up. She will fight and she will win.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Allie, which has received over 500 donations totaling over $46,000 as of 10 pm Sunday. The family is in need of funds to cover medical costs and seek multiple opinions, so they can get the best care for Allie.
Her father, Keith, told Central Jersey Sports Radio on Sunday afternoon that they still have a potentially long road to go, and have no idea what the immediate future holds.
Click below to hear Mike Pavlichko talk with Allie’s father, Keith Ewing, about how she’s doing, what little they know of her prognosis, and the tremendous support of the community in Edison and beyond: