A Tribute To Alex Mooney
April 4, 1992 – April 2, 2019
Alexandra M. Mooney was born in Corvallis April 4, 1992 and diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the young age of 3 years old. But the vivacious toddler nor the wonderful young woman that she became ever let that stand in her way. Throughout her life Alex faced life and her challenges head on choosing to embrace all that life could bring. Her courage and forbearance in dealing with her disease and through two double-lung transplants was an inspiration for all who knew her or of her. She had an army of supporters all across this country who not only supported her verbally or on Facebook, they also stepped forward whenever needed. Alex was very outgoing and never stopped smiling, never stopped having fun.
It was also inspiring to see the dedication of her family in offering Alex their support. They were always at her side. She is survived by her mother Sara Plumley Breyman; her stepdad David Breyman; her father Mike Mooney; her stepsister Liz Breyman; and grandparents Neil and Sally Plumley.
Alex loved the Morgan horse and was a World Champion Equestrian. She even fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a Professional Trainer. She passed away from complications related to Cystic Fibrosis just before her 27th birthday.
The members of the Morgan Horse Association of Oregon (MHAO) watched Alex grow up. To honor her we have established the Alex Mooney Memorial Trophy which will be given to the winner of the selected class at the Oregon Morgan Classic Horse Show. MHAO has also established a scholarship program in her name. Her memory will live on.
Alex’s last wish and the wish of her family is that people remember her and her story; that they learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and what people with the disease go through. They ask that people donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Alex’s name so that a cure can be found. A donation jar for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as well as information about the disease will be available at the show for this purpose each year.
We will always remember you, Alex.
2020 Morgan Horse Association of Oregon
Alexandra M. Mooney Memorial Scholarship
Application Postmark Deadline: April 15, 2020
Congratulations to the 2020 Scholarship recipient, Natalie Woodland!
"Alex and Natalie were close when Alex lived in Oregon. It is very special for Natalie to receive the first scholarship awarded thru this program . She will remember it for the rest of her life." Martha Woodland
Purpose
The Morgan Horse Association of Oregon (MHAO) Alexandra M. Mooney Memorial Scholarship is established to promote the values of learning, sharing, leading, volunteering and good sportsmanship inside and out of the arena. We do this by awarding an annual scholarship in any discipline, in equine education, to expand leadership skills, or in any trade. Our goal is to attract new youth to MHAO youth programs, thus promoting a future for our MHAO family.
Eligibility
The MHAO Alexandra M. Mooney Memorial Scholarship is available to any member of MHAO at the time of application who is interested in pursuing a career in any discipline that a college degree, trade school or post- education program could enhance. High school graduates or returning and transfer college students are eligible as well as repeat recipients.
Award Amount
A $500 scholarship may be awarded annually along with a gift of one 8” X 10” color photo with their Morgan shot by Howie Schatzberg or something equivalent.
Criteria
- Member of MHAO at time of application.
- Post-secondary education in any discipline or trade school.
- GPA of 3.0 or GED equivalent score in high school or college.
- Official Transcripts from most recent school attended (High School, College & Trade School to date).
- Two letters of recommendation are required. One letter must be from a current or previous teacher and one personal letter from a non-relative.
- Applicant’s one-page essay describing “Your reason for choosing your desired profession”, and “How your involvement with the Morgan horse breed has enhanced your life.”
Return Completed Application to: MHAO Scholarship Committee
Mary Grimes, Chair
705 Broadway St., S.W.
Albany, Oregon 97321-1901
A tribute to Alex from Stacia Klein
I can hear your laugh, coming deep from your belly. It was so easy to make you laugh.
I can hear your cry, whether from frustration or a sad movie. You had a big heart that felt strong emotions.
I can hear you cough, the constant struggle it took to get air to your lungs too often.
I can hear your voice talking about our dreams in this life, the sound of determination and strength.
I can hear you yelling at a horse because he stepped on your foot, then the next minute laughing and leaning forward in the saddle like a jockey galloping through the desert without a care in the world.
I can hear the sound of your vest machine, 3 times a day- every day.
I can hear the sound of the nebulizer and hear you trying to talk with it in your mouth. I think only I could understand your mumbles.
I can remember how competitive you were with those board games I was so bad at, they kept us busy and distracted during the hospital stays.
I remember how bad you wanted to have a normal life, but you were so much better than a normal person. And you made everyone around you a better person.
You touched the lives of every family member, friend, doctor, nurse, and every animal you met. Even people who never met you- you made an impact.
Most importantly I can feel your hugs. You were freakishly strong when it came to those hugs. I will always cherish those hugs.
I am so lucky to have spent my childhood with you. For the good and the bad, the happy and the sad and every little thing in between.
I’m feeling very angry because life is not fair and I wish you were still here.
That anger fuels me to live my life for you.
I will cherish every day and do my best to live a full life for you just how you taught me to.
Every time I sit on a horse, I will ride for you.
Every time I take a breath, I will breathe for you.
You are irreplaceable, not a day will go by that I don’t miss you. You have always been and will always be my sister, my best friend, my lobster.
I love you. Rest, and breathe easy.
I can hear your cry, whether from frustration or a sad movie. You had a big heart that felt strong emotions.
I can hear you cough, the constant struggle it took to get air to your lungs too often.
I can hear your voice talking about our dreams in this life, the sound of determination and strength.
I can hear you yelling at a horse because he stepped on your foot, then the next minute laughing and leaning forward in the saddle like a jockey galloping through the desert without a care in the world.
I can hear the sound of your vest machine, 3 times a day- every day.
I can hear the sound of the nebulizer and hear you trying to talk with it in your mouth. I think only I could understand your mumbles.
I can remember how competitive you were with those board games I was so bad at, they kept us busy and distracted during the hospital stays.
I remember how bad you wanted to have a normal life, but you were so much better than a normal person. And you made everyone around you a better person.
You touched the lives of every family member, friend, doctor, nurse, and every animal you met. Even people who never met you- you made an impact.
Most importantly I can feel your hugs. You were freakishly strong when it came to those hugs. I will always cherish those hugs.
I am so lucky to have spent my childhood with you. For the good and the bad, the happy and the sad and every little thing in between.
I’m feeling very angry because life is not fair and I wish you were still here.
That anger fuels me to live my life for you.
I will cherish every day and do my best to live a full life for you just how you taught me to.
Every time I sit on a horse, I will ride for you.
Every time I take a breath, I will breathe for you.
You are irreplaceable, not a day will go by that I don’t miss you. You have always been and will always be my sister, my best friend, my lobster.
I love you. Rest, and breathe easy.
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