Alyssa, born 02/25/02 (on her due date), was stolen from us by osteosarcoma while she slept on New Year’s Eve, 2012. IN her ten years, ten months and six days, she brought tremendous delight to her parents and younger sister, Lexie. An avid reader, wordsmith, punster, dancer, singer, horseback rider and dolphin lover, Alyssa loved nothing more than she loved her family. 

When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she struggled to find an answer. About six months before she died, she finally said, “Hey Mommy, I finally know what I want to be when I grow up.” Oh? What’s that? “A survivor.”

“Oh, baby, you already are! Every day you endure the treatments, the chemotherapy, surgeries and medications and side effects, you are surviving!” 

But we both knew it wasn’t what she meant. She wanted to live longer so she could love more. Her wit, humor, wisdom and love, her grace, determination, excellence in all she did... she was a force and a light. Alyssa is missed beyond what words can describe.