10 years ago, on the afternoon of September 21, 2011 we shared the hardest message: Family and Friends - Today this afternoon, our dear son, Alexander James Plotas died due to respiratory complications. While his bone marrow transplant was proven to be successful, the other complications were too severe to overcome. Alexander was not alone; he was in his Mommy’s arms with his Baba right by his side. Beyond his parents, the caring team of many people at Children’s National Medical Center were with him too. For those of you who have met Alexander you know the magic he brought to a room and it is through that magic he connected with so many people who truly cared and loved for him. We are getting through today and will share arrangements as they are made. Your prayers and thoughts have carried Alexander and us through this journey and today your love was felt as he found peace. -Alexander’s Family Today marks 10 years without him and it is unfathomable to imagine that this day or the day back in 2011 would’ve occurred. Through the years I have shared with many of you the treasured gift of being his mom. How my perspective is forever changed and the gifts I experience in saying YES to anything that is asked of me related to his journey. In saying YES I have had the honor to be involved at Children’s National through the 4th floor parent board - sitting on palliative care panels, nurse training focused on end of life care, talking with new medical residences as they begin their rotation, and through the PICU parent board helping shape the experience for family centered rounds. In saying YES I have been given the gift to share our story and to smile from deep in my heart when I lean on our experiences to help others on their own unexpected medical journeys. In saying YES I have spoken at medical research events and engaged in communities I would've never met. My Alexander's life has opened these doors for us to carry his legacy and make a difference. As important as it is to give back and continue to find ways to define our journey, equally important is helping my daughter to remember her brother and to ensure our son born after Alexander grow up in a house where he knows his big brother is just a prayer away. Seven short weeks after Alexander died, we established Alexander’s Be Great Foundation for Children known as BE GREAT. While the pandemic has brought a halt to our events, we look forward to the future to re-invigorate the friends of BE GREAT and expand awareness of immunodeficiency and the importance and hope of Bone Marrow Transplantation. While Alexander didn't have words yet, he said a lot to his parents, his loving big sister and his medical care giving family. Here are the things we heard from him along the way that we carry forward with us in the work of BE GREAT to help all the other Alexanders out there. Smile a lot. Be happy. Don't complain. Take it as it comes. It's a beautiful day every day. Press forward and stay calm. Remain hopeful and trust that things will work out. Look into my eyes and see that I am NOT afraid. Take courage from me and be strong. Things may get darker before the light shines through. Enjoy each day without expectation. Smile a lot. Be happy. -Alexander He was with us for only 13 months, however his mark on his family and medical family is long lasting. My ask of you today is to smile, to seek out the happiness in the unexpected, and to be open as we find ways to come together and support BE GREAT to continue to improve the lives and medical outcomes of children with immune deficiency, Every child deserves to be healthy, and the chance to Be Great! With gratitude and hope, Alison Alison Plotas Alexander’s Mom & Co-Founder of Be Great Foundation info@BeGreatFoundation.org www.BeGreatFoundation.org (fb)

$3,560!!!! Thank you for BEing GREAT and eating at Jersey Mike’s last week!! (fb)