Our Story
Our Mission
We honor Veterans with cancer by building and gifting them and their families a home.
Our Inspiration
ALEX J. DENGLER
1986 – 2017
– Kristen Marie – Sister
Alex’s Story
Born in Cold Spring, New York, on February 25, 1986, Alex grew up with an unparalleled enthusiasm for life. Dubbed “Spuds McKenzie” early on, he was always up for a party. His answer to any opportunity for fun was a consistent, “Yes!” Possessing a natural gift for baseball, he played all through high school and was offered a sports scholarship to college. Following September 11th, Alex chose rather to formalize his loyalty and love for his country by joining the Marines. He walked the talk, in his own quiet way and without fanfare. His bravery and courage were unwavering, while serving in Iraq and later, living with cancer.
Alex’s inherent nature is to never give up; every challenge and obstacle was faced with stoic tenacity. He inspired all he touched. Perhaps his deepest passion was for music. It permeated every aspect of his life and became his therapy, carrying him through hardship and pain with grace. Between recurrences of cancer, Alex attended Five Towns College, graduating with honors and chosen as valedictorian. Creating beauty in the midst of chaos, he spent hours composing original tracks on guitar, drums and keyboards.
An avid reader, Alex devoured books with an insatiable thirst for learning.And nature brought the ultimate peace to his soul. He often stood outside watching a sunset, a moonrise, the changing of the seasons. Alex loved his family deeply and took nothing for granted. He was gracious and grateful for every gift given, no matter how large or small. His hugs were the best and his quirky and witty sense of humor absolutely infectious. Alex will forever be held close in the hearts of so many. His life has made a difference.
– Regina Pacor – Aunt
Founder’s Story
Alex underwent numerous painful and complex surgeries, including two jaw replacements, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments for multiple cancers he battled over an eleven-year period before finally succumbing on January 19, 2017.
Alex lived his life as a true warrior and fought his cancer and the many relapses along the way with strength, grit, and determination. His journey was focused, and I witnessed early on how difficult and impractical it was for Alex to have a full-time job outside his now full-time occupation of battling cancer.
I often thought how fortunate Alex was to have a large and loving family who welcomed him home with open arms. What if Alex had been married with young children and without an extended family to offer support? How would he have managed a mortgage or rent payment and other expenses required to maintain a home? How could any Veteran with cancer be able to focus on fighting this disease while supporting home and family?
Alex knew that I was committed to and often spoke of ways to help Veterans. Two weeks before passing away, he asked that the focus be on Veterans with cancer. At that moment, the concept of Building with Grace was born with real purpose. We are committed to devoting our time, talents, and energy to fulfilling the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom.
Why A Home
Our Veterans left their comfort zones to ensure we remain safe in ours. All gave much, many gave all. Some returned with or developed cancer, a tragic testament to their sacrifice. We aim to restore some sense of comfort and safety to them and their families so that they may wage their newfound battles unencumbered.
A home for our Veterans and their families provides essential support. This is the base from which to go out and engage the enemy. Too many conflicts fought on too many fronts prevents the soldier from being as effective as possible and cancer requires strength and focus. A gifted home eliminates one battle, a major one.
A home base free of financial stress provides a safe haven, one from which to embark into a challenging world and one to return to for healing and rejuvenation.