Lexi's Legacy
Family to raise pool safety awareness after tragic loss
by KIMBERLY M. KARCHER Clarence Editor

Alexis Marie Scalzi passed away tragically on June 24, 2006. Her parents, Michelle and Michael, will hold a benefit in her honor to raise pool safety and awareness.

On April 14, 2004, Michelle and Michael Scalzi welcomed their daughter, Alexis Marie, into the world.

Born two months premature, her parents recalled the birth of their angel.

"She weighed 2 pounds and 13 ounces," her father said. "But she was a fighter, and she was home in our arms by the time of her original due date."

Lexi, as her parents affectionately called her, was a thriving youngster. She loved to play with Little People and listen to wind chimes. With curly brown hair and big blue eyes, Lexi was the apple of her parents' eye.

And then the unimaginable happened.

On June 24, 2006 Lexi, then 2 years old, wandered into the back yard and fell into the in-ground swimming pool. She couldn't be revived.

"Our precious angel was gone," her parents said.

Grieving the loss of their daughter, Lexi's parents began asking "what if" questions.

"What if there was some type of alarm on the pool?" Michael said. "What if someone knew CPR? What if ... what if ... what if?"

Rather than let their grief consume them, the Scalzis decided to make it their mission to see that no parents experience a loss like theirs and that no parent is left to ask the same questions.

A benefit in honor of their daughter, Lexi's Legacy, will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 15 at Samuel's Grande Manor, 8750 Main St., in Clarence.

"Lexi's Legacy will raise awareness for pool safety and raise money to purchase pool alarms for the community," the Scalzis said. "It is our goal to make sure that everyone in Western New York has an alarm on their swimming pool and that everyone knows the proper first aid techniques. We would also like to see that pool alarms, pool fences (and) first aid training are made mandatory in New York."

In order to make the event a true success, the Scalzis are calling on community businesses and organizations as well as individual residents to donate to Lexi's Legacy.

"Donations can be monetary, which will be used to purchase pool alarms," Michael said. "Or, the donation can be an item that will be used as part of the Chinese auction."

Larger donations will be used as part of a raffle during the event.

"Any donation, big or small, will be greatly appreciated," Michael said. "All the money we raise from this event will be solely used to purchase pool alarms."

So far, Gary's Pools and Leisure has agreed to donate 1,000 pool alarms to the event, which will be given to those who agree to learn CPR. The American Red Cross will also be on hand with CPR class information as well as to present demonstrations on pool safety and distribute first aid kits.

"If I would have known CPR, maybe I could have saved her," Michael somberly said. "And if I would have had one of these alarms, I would have known it happened right away."

When activated, the devices set off a high-pitched alarm. A representative from Gary's Pools and Leisure said the alarms are similar to motion detectors. When something breaks the surface of the water, the device floats up, and the alarm sounds, alerting parents, babysitters or whoever is watching over children.

Other businesses have also stepped up to donate to the benefit.

"Samuel's Grande Manor donated the use of the facility to us, which was just amazing," Michael said. "And, Giorgio's Limousine Service and Innsbruck Printing and Mailing are acting as sponsors for the event, and Wegmans and Bona Pizza have offered to donate food for the event."

The cost to attend the event is $20 and will include unlimited food and nonalcoholic drinks. Children 10 and under are free. Lexi's Legacy will also have a Chinese auction, cash bar, music by Audio Frequencies, door prizes, raffles and a clown.

"This is an all-ages event," the Scalzis said. "We want every member of the family to learn something about pool safety that day."

Donations can be made by calling 633-0076 or 907-4770 or by mail at Lexi's Legacy, 318 Patrice Terrace, Williamsville, N.Y. 14221. All donations are tax deductible, and a receipt will be provided.

For more information, contact the Scalzi family at 633-0076 or e-mail teresamcombs@yahoo. com

"Alexis' story is not unique. There are over 4,000 drowning deaths a year," the Scalzis said. "There were three deaths in Western New York in the summer that Alexis died. Something needs to be done to protect our children from the dangers of swimming pools.

"The 'what ifs' will haunt us for the rest of our lives," they continued. "But in honor of Lexi, our angel, we are doing something to make sure no other family has to ask 'What if?'"

e-mail: k k a rc h e r @beenews.com