Alex's Story

Alex knew firsthand what it meant to fight to build a family.

After her own journey to motherhood through gestational surrogacy, Alex became a passionate advocate for changing Michigan's outdated surrogacy and parentage laws. Rather than simply moving on after building her own family, she chose to use her experience to make the path better for the families who would come after hers.

Alex became an integral part of Michigan Fertility Alliance and a powerful voice in the effort to pass the Michigan Family Protection Act.

She shared her family's story openly and courageously. She spoke up when it mattered. And she helped lawmakers understand that outdated laws weren't simply words on paper—they had real consequences for real Michigan families.

Alex's advocacy helped contribute to a historic change.

On April 1, 2024, the Michigan Family Protection Act was signed into law, transforming Michigan's surrogacy and parentage laws and creating protections for families formed through assisted reproduction.

Alex lived to see the law she fought so hard for become a reality.

She passed away in October 2024 following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. The families who will never have to experience the barriers Alex fought to eliminate are part of her lasting legacy.

A Champion for Families

Alex represented the very best of grassroots advocacy.

She demonstrated that you don't need to be a lobbyist, policymaker, or professional advocate to create meaningful change. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can bring to the table is your experience, your conviction, and the courage to use your voice.

That spirit is at the heart of the Alexandra Kamer Champion Award.

Each year, MFA recognizes an individual who exemplifies Alex's commitment to advocacy and her selfless determination to make things better for others.

The award celebrates someone who doesn't simply believe change is possible—but helps make it happen.

What Makes an Alexandra Kamer Champion?

Nominees should demonstrate significant contributions to MFA and the family building community through one or more of the following:

• Advancing the freedom and ability of families to build their families through assisted reproduction.

• Helping others understand the issues influencing fertility and family-building legislation through advocacy and education.

• Demonstrating exceptional commitment to MFA's mission and consistently going above and beyond.

• Creating tangible advocacy impact at the local, state, national, or international level.

• Showing initiative and creativity in advancing organizational goals.

• For professionals working in the field, providing extraordinary advocacy support to MFA beyond their professional or work-related obligations.

Above all, an Alexandra Kamer Champion demonstrates the qualities Alex brought to this work:

Passion. Courage. Selflessness. And an unwavering commitment to families.

Alexandra Kamer Champion Award Honorees

Each Alexandra Kamer Champion Award recipient carries forward Alex's legacy through extraordinary advocacy, leadership, and commitment to families. We are proud to recognize the people who use their voices, experiences, and talents to make the path better for those who come after them.

2026 Honoree: To Be Announced at In Good Cheer on October 17, 2026

The 2026 Alexandra Kamer Champion Award recipient will be announced and honored at Michigan Fertility Alliance's annual In Good Cheer event.

2026 Nominations

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Alexandra Kamer Champion Award.

We invite members of the MFA community to nominate an individual whose advocacy, leadership, service, or commitment to family building embodies Alex's extraordinary example.

The selected recipient will be honored at MFA's annual In Good Cheer event and will receive the Alexandra Kamer Champion Award along with a monetary gift.

Nominations close September 4, 2026.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Nominators will be notified if their nominee is selected as the 2026 recipient.

Carrying Alex's Legacy Forward

The Michigan Family Protection Act changed the future for Michigan families.

But Alex's legacy is bigger than one piece of legislation.

It lives in every person who decides their experience can help someone else.

It lives in every family willing to tell their story.

It lives in every advocate who shows up, speaks out, educates a lawmaker, challenges an outdated policy, or refuses to accept that something cannot be changed.

And it lives in every future Michigan family whose path is a little easier because someone before them was willing to fight.

That is what it means to be a Champion.

That is Alex's legacy.