Over 900 people play Monopoly game in honour of young girl who died of brain cancer

On 19 September 2011, Sue-Ellan Vasiliou and her husband Marino welcomed their daughter Alegra into the world, where she quickly grew into a vibrant and beautiful girl. A caring sister and a generous soul, the family loved playing Monopoly games together, which Alegra would take very seriously – preferring the Shopkins version, she would always uphold the rules and beg for just one more rematch.

So when her family was trying to think of ways to honour their beloved Alegra after she passed from brain cancer in 2017 at the age of six, they just kept coming back to the memories of Alegra joyfully playing her favourite game.

“We really wanted to create a space that allowed for both young and old to come together, celebrate her and accomplish something that everyone would be proud of,” said Sue-Ellan. “All whilst raising awareness for the disease that took our daughter – brain cancer.”

So on 30 March, the Vasiliou family and the Little Legs Foundation hosted a massive Monopoly game in Sydney, Australia, where participants played an officially-licensed version of the game created by the charity and featuring Alegra’s image. The foundation supports children battling brain cancer, and provides a charity grant in her honour called Alegra's Army – so they also named her Monopoly game Alegra's Army, and made it purchasable to help raise funds for cancer research.

“To say you broke a Guinness World Records title isn't something very common. To say you have your very own version of Monopoly dedicated to you is even more rare,” said Sue-Ellan. “But Alegra has her very own Army, and together we have the power to do so much in this world.”

The turnout for the incredible event was over 1,000, and 918 people gathered in groups to play the game and help raise money and support the Little Legs Foundation – setting an incredible record for most people playing Monopoly, all for a great cause.

“When I took to the stage to say a few words I was so overwhelmed with gratitude to have everyone there in that moment, together, because of and for our girl Alegra,” said Sue-Ellan. “Families who miss her terribly, united with families who wish they had a chance to meet her. I was so proud to stand there as her mother and see the impact she continues to have on the lives of many.”

The family wanted the event to be fun and inclusionary, even though stewards had to disqualify some eager participants as they were sadly too young to play! But the overall vibe that afternoon was buzzing with anticipation and electricity, as attendees were determined to take the record for Alegra.

This was actually the Little Legs Foundation’s second attempt for the title, as they fell short from taking the previous record title of 733 by just 30 people last October. While the Vasiliou family describes that experience as “disheartening,” they said they are used to overcoming obstacles together, and wanted to give it one last shot. 

“We are a family of pure resilience,” said Sue-Ellan. “And life has taught us that nothing good comes easy. There will always be hurdles. It was important for us to try again for our children and Alegra’s Army. They too were let down the day we came so close. And they came back with a fire in their belly, which saw us take the record by a considerable amount.”

And this time they were successful, hosting over 150 tables of six people playing the game.

Participants were entertained by live music, inspired by supportive healthcare professionals, and fueled by the infectious spirit of the Vasiliou family. Guinness World Records adjudicator Brian Sobel came out at the end to present the foundation with their certificate, and the room was emotional and proud once they learned they finally took the title. 

And although the Vasiliou family doesn’t currently have any plans for future Monopoly rematches (yet!), they were touched by the power of their community, and said they are always up for another challenge – or, another game.