<p>Alexandra Deford, a precious and precocious girl, was just eight years oldwhen she died in 1980 following a battle against the debilitating effects ofcystic fibrosis, the number-one genetic killer of children. Her poignant anduplifting story touched the hearts of millions when it was first published andthen made into a memorable television movie. A new introduction containsinformation on the latest cystic fibrosis research, and a touching postcriptreveals how the Deford family came to terms with the loss of Alex.</p><p>Whenever he speaks, sportswriter Frank Deford knows people will bringarticles for him to sign. But what makes him happiest is when someone attends asports-oriented lecture and brings a copy of<i>Alex: The Life of a Child </i>forhim to sign. &quot;Invariably, and happily, there's usually someone at eachappearance who either brings that book or wants to talk about their connectionto cystic fibrosis.&quot; Deford says. &quot;It's tremendously gratifying to me.Rarely does a week go by that I don't get a letter about that book. People leavethings at her grave. They really do. I have people tell me that she changedtheir lives. It's terribly dramatic, but they literally say that. I heard from awoman who became a pediatric nurse after reading the book. Hearing from peoplelike that means more to me than anything.&quot;</p>