Purple ribbons being put up to remember Lexi Brown
For the second time this year, purple ribbons are predominantly displayed on roadside poles all across the Santa Maria Valley.
They’ve been placed by friends and family members of Lexi Brown, the inspirational 12-year-old Orcutt girl who died earlier this year after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
The ribbons, which represent Brown’s favorite color, have been put up to celebrate what would have been Brown’s 13th birthday on Oct. 5. Purple ribbons were also put up across the area following her death in May.
“When I see the ribbons, I just smile because it just makes me think of her personality and her bubbliness, and how she loved to make people laugh, and how she loved to make silly faces,” said Lisa Brown, Lexi’s mother.
Brown gained national attention during during her battle with the disease. She not only brought much needed attention to pediatric cancer with her famous motto “Fight Like a Girl,”she also helped raise thousands of dollars, which assisted other children fighting the disease.
During her treatment, people in the Santa Maria Valley, as well as in other communities on the Central Coast and beyond, rallied around the charismatic and energetic girl.
“She was silly and goofy, and had a personality,” said her mother. “We don’t know what it was about her that people loved, but they did, and we do, and I loved that she was mine.”
To honor her and continue her legacy, the Brown family is creating a non-profit organization called “Project Lexi Brown,” which will have three different facets.
“One is to really connect kids with cancer and their families along the Central Coast, and give them opportunities to be together and have fun,” said Brown. “Just kind of forget about the treatment and what’s going on in the diagnosis and just have a great time. We want to provide an opportunity for them.”
The other components of the foundation will include connecting college students with kids fighting cancer, and providing assistance for parents whose children have died from the disease.
As Lexi’s mother prepares to observe her’s daughter birthday, she wishes to pass an important message along for others.
“Just celebrate life, celebrate each day, celebrate the smiles, the laughter, the memories and never forget loved ones,” said Brown.
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