Thanks to Donations, Hannah is Rolling in Dough

Back after two COVID-imposed virtual years, Hannah’s November Bake sale returned on Nov. 13 under an expansive tent, wafting with the glorious fragrances of cakes and cupcakes. Established as an annual community event, this is particularly special because 11-year-old Hannah Alexander, who has cerebral palsy, raised thousands of dollars over six years from bake sale proceeds to donate to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Hannah Alexander has cerebral palsy because of a bifrontal brain malformation, which is also the cause of her epilepsy and unilateral hearing loss. Her parents had a normal pregnancy with no complications at birth. They were not aware of Hannah’s condition until they noticed some delays in her development.

At five months old, during a weeklong stay at the hospital for Respiratory Syncytial Virus and grand mal seizures, they were given Hannah’s diagnosis.

While CP affects everyone differently, Hannah experiences global delays, from walking, manipulating objects, speaking to feeding. Hannah is extremely bright, happy, and loved. She uses a powered wheelchair and gait trainer to navigate her surroundings and a communication device to speak. Her days are filled with therapies and preventative measures to avoid getting sick as she is extremely vulnerable to viruses.

Reid Alexander and Hannah, with their dog, Charlie.

Mom, Haley Posner Alexander, said, “Hannah works hard for everything she does, and we couldn’t be prouder of her. She has a magnificent smile and spreads light and joy to all.”

Now in the fourth grade, after being virtual for the past two years, Hannah is back in-person at Mimosa Elementary School, which has an orthopedic impaired program. Hannah loves being with her peers and thrives in the school environment.

For fun, Hannah loves to watch Disney movies, especially “Lilo and Stitch,” listen to music and play with her dog, Charlie. Hannah and her 13-year-old brother, Reid, have a deep love and bond.

The idea for the fundraiser materialized when Reid, who was eight at the time, was inspired to have a bake sale when he heard of possible changes to healthcare and stumbled upon his mom writing a letter to senators. He became concerned that Hannah and anyone else needing medical care, might lose some of their services. Reid wanted to cure it and find more resources.

Hannah’s Bake Sale was born with all proceeds benefiting the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Haley baked to help her son’s dream become a reality.
Haley continued, “Reid’s incredible friends and family helped, and the community rallied. Progressively, Hannah’s Bake Sale has grown and become a community event.”

Haley bakes for several months, while simultaneously caring for Hannah, in preparation for the November event which fills an entire stand-up freezer. Volunteers help during the event and bring even more baked goods. Steven Eisenstein’s Classic Tents and Events donates the tents and tables, and families mingle during the three hours. This year, the local elementary school chorus performed, and activities included face painting and a cookie decorating station.

Cupcakes, Rice Krispies treats, brownies, pies and bundt cakes.

The bill of fare includes cookies, brownies, cupcakes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and full-sized cakes. Gluten-free items are offered as well as beverages, including lemonade and hot apple cider. Smaller-priced items sell for $1, $2, and $3, and the cakes go for $25-$40. The most popular items are the “Hannah Banana Bread,” carrot cake, flourless chocolate cake, and red velvet pound cake with cream cheese frosting.

During the past two virtual years, Reid created a website for Hannah’s Bake Sale. This year, at the in-person fundraiser, the family welcomed several hundred customers and a record-breaking $37,000 was raised. The family sends the donation to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation on Giving Tuesday.”

Hannah helps her mom bake a few items and said, “I have fun at the bake sale!” Her favorite sweet is the unicorn cupcake filled with sprinkles and topped with colorful icing. Reid has a sweet tooth and gravitates to the cake batter fudge.

Hannah and Reid’s parents are Ben and Haley Alexander. Ben is vice president of product at PMG, a software company, and Haley is a full-time caregiver for Hannah and a stay-at-home mom. The family is a member of Temple Sinai. When speaking at an abilities awareness event at her temple, Hannah told the audience she wishes to be a rabbi when she grows up.

Donations can be sent to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation or can wait until next November’s Hannah’s Bake Sale.