Foundation History

When Tom and Stacey Branchini drove their daughter, Alexa, to Boston University in September 1999 to begin her freshman year in college, they worried about a lot of things. Did Alexa make the right choice? Would she like it there . . . Would she do well in her studies? Would she be homesick?

The last thing they expected was a call ten days later telling them their daughter had been raped in her dormitory and was in a Boston hospital.

Alexa reported the attack immediately to the police, and the rapist was apprehended before he even had a chance to leave campus. Alexa was alive, she was safe, but her life was changed forever.

Alexa was one of the few rape victims whose ordeal actually resulted in a trial and the conviction of her assailant. Her family was with her, both psychologically and physically. The Branchinis flew from Buffalo, NY to Massachusetts to support Alexa during the trial, which involved brutal cross-examinations and accusations of consensual sex.

Alexa withstood attempts by the defense to delay the trial, as a tactic to break her will. They knew that each time a court date was scheduled Alexa would have to fly to Boston, as she had transferred to a university closer to home. The Branchinis flew from Buffalo to Boston only to learn that the trial had been delayed. Eighteen months after Alexa was raped, the trial was finally under way. Alexa and her parents spent 27 days in Boston for the trial. Alexa persevered. The man who raped her was sentenced to 40-45 years in prison without parole.

The Branchinis could not imagine Alexa having to go through the ordeal of a trial alone. Going back to the crime scene, reliving the ordeal in order to prepare for trial, then actually being in the courtroom with the rapist who assaulted her. They wondered about other rape victims whose families were not able to afford the trip.

Alexa's father realized that such support was possible only because he could afford to pay the airfare, the hotel fees and other expenses incurred when he and his wife went to Alexa's side.

The It Happened to Alexa Foundation was born out of this conviction. Tom and Stacey Branchini--the founders--and their fellow board members intend to assist rape victims and their families by easing the financial burden they face while attending the criminal trial.