Daniel Alexander is battling an inoperable brain tumor, but this courageous youngster has fought hard, enduring multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. To help provide Daniel with some inspiration during his battle, his mother Karen reached out to the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FoJ), an organization that partners children with brain tumors with athletic teams. When Daniel was partnered up with the Notre Dame baseball team in 2013, his mother saw it had an immediate impact on him. 
“Daniel’s disposition changed immediately after being involved with the Notre Dame baseball team through Friends of Jaclyn,” said Karen Alexander, Daniel’s mother. “Daniel immediately clicked with these young men. He knew these athletes were going to give him the support he would need, but most importantly he was making friendships that would last a lifetime. FoJ was able to pair Daniel up with his love of baseball and his new love of Notre Dame Baseball. Being on this journey makes it so much more bearable when you know Daniel has 38 big brothers cheering for him.”
The players and coaches on the Irish say that Daniel had a profound effect on them as well. The athletes say they’ve gained a different perspective on life, motivation and the gift of caring for others.
Upper Deck welcomed Daniel and his family to the Upper Deck booth this week at the National Sports Collectors Convention where he was honored with his own Upper Deck baseball card. Upper Deck will be producing several hundred cards for Daniel’s family. This marks the third trading card Upper Deck has created for brave young athletes involved in the FoJ program.
“Daniel is an incredibly courageous young man and well deserving of the honor of having an Upper Deck Heroic Inspirations card,” said Denis Murphy, president of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. “These are not just trading cards. They are tools to change lives for the better and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from this disease.”
“We believe that Daniel’s Upper Deck baseball card will create hope for other kids and families struggling with brain cancer,” said Chris Carlin, senior marketing manager for Upper Deck. “He is an inspiration to others and we applaud his courage. He is certainly worthy of the honor of appearing on a baseball card and both Notre Dame and Friends of Jaclyn have been wonderful to work with throughout the process of bringing the card to life.”
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