—KIKI’S STORY—

Kiki: Aleks’ Inspiration for Living in the Moment and Giving Back

Aleks’ cousin, Julianne Miszk, was a true inspiration. Julianne was an avid runner and an award-winning swimmer. She was also a loving daughter, sister, and caring friend to many.

In 2016, Julianne, affectionately known as “Kiki” to her family, was diagnosed with cancer. She met the diagnosis with fierce strength and positivity. She was a fighter and showed us the definition of living life to the fullest. We lost Julianne to cancer this year, but she will continue to inspire us to live life with zest and to never stop reaching higher.

A few months before her cancer diagnosis, Julianne invited Aleks to watch her compete at an international track & field competition. Aleks was touched by the invitation, and the trip turned out to be life changing. At the track meet, Aleks witnessed athletes with physical and mental disabilities giving it their all as they competed in the summer heat. The determination and pure joy of the athletes, who were each battling their own challenges, stirred something in Aleks. The following year, she ran her first full marathon, with Kiki and all the athletes from the track meet as her inspiration every step of the way.

At AM Coffee Studio, the Butterfly Pea Latte on the menu is a tribute to Julianne. 25% of proceeds from the Butterfly Pea Latte goes toward Camp Ooch, a nonprofit camp that brings laughter and joy to kids and families affected by childhood cancer. Aleks encourages everyone to raise awareness and funds for cancer research however they can—whether that’s by donating to organizations such as Camp Ooch or SickKids, or volunteering with organizations such as Special Olympics.