Alex Larue, an 11-year-old resident of Fentress County, Tenn. passed away on July 9, from brain cancer. Because he loved to visit the rhinoceroses at the Knoxville Zoo, his family established a memorial rhinoceros statue fund.
According to the Prayers for Alex Facebook page, the family goal for the statue, which will be installed at the Knoxville Zoo, is $5,000.
In spite of his illness, he inspired many people within Fentress County with his upbeat attitude. Amy McRary, a journalist for the Knoxville News Sentinel, wrote “Remembering Alex,” an article published on July 26, about Larue’s indomitable spirit and playfulness. She quoted zookeeper Robin Adams, who met Larue several times on his visits to the zoo: “‘He just had this fighting spirit. He wouldn’t let anybody pity him. He fought what he had so bravely and so matter-of-factly.'”
Contributors may donate via credit card or PayPal at the “Alex LaRue Memorial at Knoxville Zoo” link. People may also contribute by mailing checks to Sharon Moore, Knoxville Zoo Development Department, P.O. Box 6040, Knoxville, TN 37914. Checks must include the note “Alex Larue.”
Prayers for Alex posted on Aug. 1, that the memorial fund has received $2,500 in donations.