OBITUARY: Alena 'Ali' Borgen

Alena "Ali" Borgen, 14, of Grand Forks, ND died Monday, January 24, 2011, in her home surrounded by her family.

Alena Marie Borgen was born September 5, 1996 in Bismarck, ND the daughter of Richard and Karen (Moen) Borgen. She grew up and attended school in Grand Forks.

Ali is survived by: Parents: Rich and Karen Borgen - Grand Forks, Brother: Dylan Borgen - Grand Forks, Grandparents: Gary and Delores Moen - Dawson, ND, Uncles: Rick (Jessica) Moen - Roscoe, SD, Mike (Ginny) Borgen - Fargo, Aunts: Wendy Moen - Lake Havasu City, AZ, Robin Lane - Alexandria, MN, Numerous Cousins

Ali was preceded in death by grandparents, Leonard and Alice Borgen; and an uncle, Jim Borgen.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 3PM in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 South 9th St., Grand Forks.

Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church.

An online guest register may be signed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com

Following is what Ali wants you to know about her life.

Hi! It's me, Ali! (Mom is helping with dates and stuff.) I was born in Bismarck on September 5, 1996. My parents were excited. My brother (Dylan) was jealous, but he liked me after awhile. When I was 13 months old, I moved to my Great-Grandpa Stanley Moen's farmstead. That's where I took my first steps, rode bike without training wheels, and had a tree fort. I went to Head Start in Aneta for three years and had lots of fun. I also had fun spending time with Great-Grandma Helen Tharaldson. I moved to Grand Forks in 2002 when I was five. I went to Wilder Elementary for kindergarten through second grade and to West Elementary for third through fifth grades. I started playing basketball in third grade and loved it. I loved anything that was a sport, and had fun playing tackle football with my brother and his friends. I was in fourth grade when I was diagnosed with leukemia, and all the teachers at West became "Ali's Angels." I went to Valley Middle School for sixth and seventh grades. In February 2009, I went to Bismarck to lobby, and I wrote the governor and the mayor to have September declared as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Make-A-Wish trip was awesome. My family went to Florida to swim with dolphins and collect seashells. I finished treatment in July 2009 and had a party. I finally got to be a normal kid again and went to seventh grade. I played volleyball and basketball, played clarinet, went with my class to Wolf Ridge, and was a member of the Grand Cities Children's Choir. My leukemia came back in May 2010 and I had to spend eight months in Rochester, so I didn't get to go to even one day of eighth grade. The Ronald McDonald House was my home away from home until I finally came home on Christmas Day. Our house looked so pretty because elves had decorated it. I was baptized on December 30th and had my First Communion on January 13th with my "peeps" (cancer support group). My family and friends helped me with "A Celebration of a Lifetime" party. I love parties and had a blast and raised money for childhood cancer research. I spent my final days at home with my mom, dad, brother, grandma, grandpa, Daisy (my dog), and Caramel (my guinea pig). Scuba Steve (my fish) was staying with a friend.

I don't know why I was only able to live for 14 years or why I had to have cancer. There were days when I felt like giving up, but I didn't give up. I never stopped fighting. Even though I was mad and didn't pray sometimes, I knew God was with me. I'm so thankful for having the best family and friends. Mom and Dad gave me so much courage, strength, and love. Dylan was the best brother and friend ever. Grandma and Grandpa were with me a lot and I love them so much. I'll miss cooking (and eating!) with Daddy, beading and girl time with Mommy, playing games and hanging out with Dylan, and staying at Grandma and Grandpa's cabin. I told them I'll be their angel and watch over them. There were so many special people and true friends that helped me and my family. And all of the doctors and nurses were so nice and tried their best. Something has to be done so no kid--or anyone--ever has to die of cancer. I love you all, and you will be in my heart forever.

Love,

Ali

Smile Wide Every Day!

P.S. Instead of flowers, please get smiley-face balloons so they can be shared with all of the kids at my service. And please don't wear black (black pants are okay). Wear a smiley-face shirt (you can make your own), a Team Ali shirt, or just a fun shirt. I understand if you feel sad, but I hope you remember me with smiles and laugh with each other and share memories.

Tags: ali borgen, obituaries

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