"ALEX: THE LIFE OF A CHILD" is based upon Frank Deford's tender book about the extraordinary vivid - yet all-too-brief-life of his daughter, Alex, whose spirit remained unbroken in spite of her lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis. It is the story of the life rather than the death of the little girl and about the people whose lives she affected, particularly the relationship between Alex and her father.

Craig T. Nelson ("Call to Glory" and Poltergeist") plays Frank Deford, the distinguished Sports Illustrated columnist whose poignant memoirs captured the special magic and courage of his daughter, who filled her eight short years with joy and wonder.

Bonnie Bedelia (acclaimed for her starring performance in "Heart" like a Wheel") is Carol Deford, whose determination to adopt another child after Alex's death - in the face of her husband's initial reluctance - became a leading force in the family's healing embrace of the future.

Gennie James (Sally Field's daughter in places in the heart") is Alex, a feisty, funny little girl whose extraordinary love of and zest for life affected all those who knew her.

Daniel Corkill (Diane Keaton's son in "Mrs. Soffel") is Chris Deford, Alex's older brother, still only a child himself.