Alea Christine Ramsey

Alea was born May 26, 2005. She was a curious, beautiful girl with ocean blue eyes and a smile that captivated those around her. She grew to be adventurous, and famous for her sarcastic, sassy one-liners. She thrived at any opportunity to build robots and to tinker with power tools. She was fearless and yet graceful, loving to dance, to play the flute, to sing in the choir, to snowboard without fear, to kayak, to play softball, lacrosse and volleyball.

Alea was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 13 and throughout the years that followed, she became an advocate for Childhood Cancer Awareness and Disability Awareness. Alea created her nonprofit, Bearing Hope. She dedicated herself and her talents of bringing people together for something bigger than herself. She raised thousands of dollars in donations to selflessly support other children at Nationwide Children’s Hospital-Oncology through various fundraisers such as an annual Upper Arlington Go Gold Game. She organized the event and invited other children diagnosed with cancer to join her on the football field to be recognized, honored, and supported. We are also grateful the Bear Den at Upper Arlington High School for making her annual Go Gold Game to raise money for Bearing Hope a success. Alea had the ability to reach out in a genuine and meaningful way that inspired others to want to be better, and to join together as a community and beyond. Her quiet presence became a voice for others through her public speaking to advocate for a cure. She smiled her way through cancer treatments and trials, always hoping that in some way she would take the lemons life gave her, and provide insight into a cure for others. Alea was most proud of being a published author. Her memoir of living life in unexpected ways, When Life Gives You Lemons Cancer, was a look into the life of a teen cancer patient. She wove together poetry and creative writing not for the recognition or attention, but solely because she wanted to make life easier for others diagnosed with cancer. Her poems were her daily way of documenting her struggles, highlighting her happiness, and processing the most painful and difficult medical journey.

Alea was an Upper Arlington High School senior planning to graduate with her classmates and friends on May 26, 2024, which would have also been her 19th birthday. Her dream was to attend Denison University, to become a pediatric oncology nurse, and to continue her mission of advocacy.

Alea was dearly and unconditionally loved and cherished by her parents, Janette and Sean Ramsey. Her best friends and sisters, Emma and Laiken, and her partner-in-crime and brother, Mason. Her four dogs who were her protectors and compassionate companions: Perfect Nard, Linus, Frank and Fiona. She is survived by so many who loved her, supported her, and were inspired by her, especially “her girls” Caroline and Alyssa Hennis. Alea’s most precious gift was her friendships with many, but Aviva Heselton, Keomorokat Vey, and Kait Barno were her soul sisters. She was preceded in death by her grandma, Marguerite Hennis, who welcomed Alea into Heaven and who will hold her tight until we are all reunited again.

Our family would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Nick Yeager and Dr. Pete Anderson, who endlessly fought for and with Alea. The nurses at Nationwide Children’s hospital and Palliative Care, surrounded Alea with continuous love and care. Alea was active with other nonprofits to always help make a positive impact on the world. She was a dedicated volunteer with and advocate for Sam’s Fans, NC4K, Make-a-Wish, A Kid Again, Faith Prudence, Angel Works, Flying Horse Farms, Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and Adaptive Sports Connection. Our family was surrounded in love and given experiences from these organizations that are cherished memories. Alea was able to go to Australia to see her beloved Fairy Blue Penguins, which was her dream that came true. Alea Bear, we will love you forever to your penguins and back.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Bearing Hope, 4331 Lyon Drive, Upper Arlington, OH 43220 or the website, www.bearinghope2u.com

A private mass will be at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, in Clintonville, Ohio at 10am on Saturday February 3, 2024.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 12-3 PM at Amelita Mirolo Barn, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln., Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220. This will be a day to come together and honor Alea and share condolences with the family. We are grateful to AngelWorks for providing this special day together and per Alea’s wishes that we suck it up, and smile through the pain. The words she lived by for almost six years while wanting to be remembered not as the kid with cancer, but the person who was inclusive, innovative, and committed to others before herself.