Stories

On April 17, Garden of Dreams child Alicia Fourier was presented the Sweetwater City Spirit Clifton Award during the Knicks-Celtics game Madison Square Garden. Alicia, 13 years-old from Maine, currently suffers from epilepsy and is treated at Garden of Dreams partner hospital NYU Medical Center. Despite Alicia’s battle with epilepsy and enduring two brain surgeries, she has become a strong advocate for epilepsy research and support to help others with the illness. To date, Alicia has raised over $30,000 to help the fight against epilepsy.

The Sweetwater Clifton Spirit Award, sponsored by the New York Knicks, honors local heroes who have made a significant difference in the lives of others. In addition to receiving the award, the New York Knicks made a $2,000 donation in Alicia’s name to support her efforts towards epilepsy research and support.

In April 2012, Alicia performed in the Garden of Dreams Talent Show at Radio City Music Hall where she sang “Not for the Life of Me” from the musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in front a orchestra filled crowd reaching near 3,000 guests. In addition, Alicia appeared on the CW11 Morning Show with Fuse host Mark Hoppus to perform and promote the Talent Show as well as her advocacy for epilepsy research. Alicia has been in musical theater since five years-old and has appeared in over two dozen productions both amateur and professional.