Meet Alex

At just 18 years old, Alex Pastore is already accomplishing things many people spend years working toward. A senior at Lacey Township High School, Alex is simultaneously earning his associate degree from Ocean County College and preparing to attend Montclair State University to study business. Between balancing school, working as a waiter at IHOP, and serving as a summer counselor for Lacey Township Recreation, Alex has always been someone who stays busy, works hard, and enjoys helping others. Whether he is mentoring kids, supporting his coworkers, or spending time with friends and family, Alex has built his life around responsibility, positivity, and making an impact on those around him.

In January 2026, everything changed.

After recovering from COVID, Alex developed a cough that simply would not go away. What initially seemed like pneumonia or a lingering illness led to a chest X-ray that revealed a large mass in his chest. Further testing and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), an aggressive form of blood cancer. The news was unexpected, overwhelming, and frightening, but Alex immediately began treatment surrounded by an incredible medical team and a support system determined to help him fight.

Since his diagnosis, Alex has faced the challenges that come with intensive chemotherapy treatment. Long hospital stays, countless procedures, bone marrow biopsies, spinal fluid biopsies, and significant leg pain have tested him physically and mentally. There have been days where even simple tasks felt difficult. Yet through every setback, Alex has continued to move forward with remarkable determination. Rather than focusing on the enormity of the journey, he takes things one day at a time, celebrating small victories and keeping his eyes fixed on the future.

One of the greatest sources of strength throughout Alex's battle has been his family. His parents and sister have stood beside him through every appointment, procedure, and difficult day. He also credits the doctors, nurses, and staff caring for him for helping him stay motivated. Their compassion, encouragement, and commitment to his care have made an incredible impact on his journey and continue to inspire him every day.

When Alex is feeling his best, he enjoys staying active, gaming, spending time with family and friends, and reflecting on the activities that have always brought him joy. As a former volleyball and cross-country athlete, he understands the value of perseverance, teamwork, and pushing through adversity. Those same qualities have become essential throughout his cancer journey.

Recently, the Fightstrong Foundation had the opportunity to meet Alex in person, and it quickly became clear why so many people have rallied around him. We spent time sharing our stories, discussing our experiences, exchanging mindsets, and talking about what it means to keep moving forward through life's toughest moments. What started as a conversation quickly turned into a friendship. Alex's maturity, positivity, and determination left a lasting impression on all of us.

As a lifelong New York Giants fan, Alex has always looked forward to making memories with the people he loves. To support him during his journey, Fightstrong Foundation was honored to provide Alex with four tickets to Opening Night as the New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Alex will be attending the game alongside his dad and two friends or family members, creating memories that will last far beyond the final whistle.

Today, Alex remains focused on what lies ahead. He is determined to graduate from high school while earning his associate degree, continue his education at Montclair State University, build a successful career, and return to the active life he loves. Through every challenge, he reminds himself that cancer is something he is going through—not who he is.

His advice to others facing similar battles is simple but powerful: take things one day at a time. Lean on the people who care about you. Focus on the goals and dreams that still lie ahead. Most importantly, never lose sight of the life you are fighting for.

Alex, thank you for sharing your story with us. Your strength, resilience, and outlook on life inspire everyone around you. We are honored to be part of your journey, and we want you to know that we love you, we believe in you, and we will be here for you every single step of the way.

Fight Strong, Alex.