Lolly, sister
My sister and I could not be more different. She is delightfully height-challenged; I'm an Amazon. She is social, confident and the best entertainer. I'm an introvert who spends social gatherings looking for the family dog. She has always eaten well, exercised faithfully, and made healthy choices. I've... considered those things from time to time. Which makes it feel especially unfair that she is the one who needs a new kidney. It's been painful to see her spark waver as her kidney disease has progressed.
For all of our differences, she has always been my constant. She is my North Star, my wise counselor when I lose perspective, my biggest cheerleader when I doubt myself, and my unofficial therapist. My great hope to be her donor and hero was quickly dashed when I was denied because of my prior melanoma diagnosis. That was a gut punch.
The truth is, I need her to receive a new kidney almost as much as she does. The world is simply brighter with her in it.
Joey, brother
"Honey" is my big-little sister. She changed my diapers, fed me bottles, and when my crying woke her up, she dipped my pacifier in a sugar jar she kept secretly by her bedside. But that's the only thing she ever sugar-coated. Honey has always been the one who tells it like it is, who keeps it real... the steady anchor of our family.
Now that she's a grandmother, I've noticed her soften a bit, in the best way. The timing couldn't be more perfect: she's entered a wonderful phase of life, traveling to see her monkeys (both African and familial), catching her favorite bands in concert (who knew The Cure was one of her faves?), and relaxing at home with her awesome husband, Steve.
Honey's kidney disease just doesn't seem fair. How? Why? What can we do? It turns out there's a lot we can do, and this website is the start. She once soothed my cries with something sweet; now it's our turn to show up for her. If you're reading this, please share Allison's story. The path forward begins with one more person knowing her name.
Deborah, friend
I've known Allison since we were in the seventh and eighth grade in school, making this a friendship of 55 years. I can confidently say she is bright and kind and has a generous heart. We all need her to receive a kidney, as she makes the world a better place.
Elizabeth, friend
Bright, compassionate, creative, and resourceful, Allison leads a life of meaning and purpose. Her priorities include family, friends, and faith, and she is always "at the ready" to care for her loved ones. She is a wonderful daughter, sibling, mother, spouse, and friend. 💕
Sally, cousin
"Honey" is a bright, witty, and resilient woman facing her CKD with strength and grace. Petite in stature but powerful in spirit, she brings humor and intelligence to every challenge she encounters. As she awaits a life-saving kidney donor, her story is one of hope, courage, and the quiet determination to keep moving forward.
Melissa, friend
I have known Allison since high school. As a friend she has taken care of me numerous times when I have been sick or mostly injured myself. She is a caring and devoted friend, mother and wife. She also has a great love for animals, of all kinds, which to me indicates the kind of character she has.
Helen, family friend
"Honey" has been like a younger sister to me for over 40 years. She possesses a joie de vivre that is both inspiring and infectious. Her warmth and charisma naturally draw people to her, and they are quickly captivated by her humor, adventurous spirit, compassion and generosity. She is a steadfast, loyal friend and I am profoundly grateful to have her in my life.
Carly, daughter-in-law-to-be
I have come to know Allison as a kind-hearted, thoughtful, and intelligent woman. She has welcomed me with open and loving arms during holidays, birthdays, weddings, and family reunions. Allison shows time and time again how much she loves and adores her family through her amazing home-cooked meals and boundless quality time. I will soon have the utmost pleasure of being able to call her my mother-in-law and can't wait to be part of her family. She is beloved and respected by all who have the opportunity to know her as well as we do.
Ann Elizabeth, friend and colleague
I met Allison when I moved to Winter Park 30 years ago. From the very beginning, she took me under her wing and welcomed me into her world with warmth and generosity. She has remained one of my dearest friends for over three decades. We have raised our children side by side, supported each other through life's most difficult moments, and celebrated countless joyful ones. Gatherings in her home were filled with laughter and joy, and her delicious meals are forever unforgettable. Allison loves life deeply, gives that love freely to others, and can light up a room with her infectious laugh. She is a blessing in my life.
Sheri, friend
Allison is small but strong and tough. She's a faithful friend and a loving family member. Always wise, she gives good advice and perspective on issues at hand. She's a lot of fun and worthy of love.
Jim and Dori, friends
Allison and I have known each other since the 4th grade. She, my wife, Dori and I are godparents to one another's children. It has been difficult to see Allison struggle with this illness. She is a strong person who values her life with family and friends and, like her other life choices, she will be disciplined and determined to get through this challenge. Through it all, she has been true to herself, courageous, realistic and hopeful.
Randy, Margaret's other grandfather
Our little Margaret needs her grandmother Allison in ways that only Allison can provide. Margaret needs to be spoiled in the Allison Way with Allison's immediate smiles and warm, loving hugs that assure her that she is the "greatest person in the world who is loved without condition--even if you're bad!" Allison's reading and stories and unwavering presence in Margaret's life will remind Margaret that she comes from steady, supportive, loving stock, and that she is strong, too. And when times get tough for little Margaret, she will know that there is a place in the harbor of Allison's warm arms where she will always belong and be safe and welcome. Allison is warmth and love and security for our Margaret. There is no replacement for Allison in Margaret's world. She needs her grandmother.