The Allyson Whitney Foundation was founded in love in March 2012...in memory of beautiful Allyson Whitney Strong, 25 years young. She taught us the value of gratitude and hope. Her words still impact our lives, "At night, I try and think of at least three things I'm grateful for that day - and I truly think that it helps, when I wake up, I wake up and smile and say thank you, thank you for another day."
Ally was a great beauty but reveled in the little things in life. She loved wearing her sweatpants and hoodies. She could also be caught eating sprinkles from a jar! Ally loved rooting for her NY teams, the Knicks, Giants, and Mets. Her family and friends meant everything to her. She had a light, dancing spirit and a contagious smile. She was little, blonde, and smart. Ally earned her bachelor?s degree at St John?s University and went on to her graduate work at CW Post in Speech Pathology. She was 24 years old, had just graduated, and was starting her first real ?adult job? when she heard the words, ?it?s cancer.?
In a split second your life can change forever. Ally inspires us all to dream bigger, laugh louder, and live better. At least we try to, without her. The work of the Allyson Whitney Foundation is a tribute to Allyson in honor of her memory and the person she was. Ally?s story has become the story of many. We have met amazing people on this journey who inspire us every day to keep doing what we?re doing. It?s not easy as volunteers working full time to get this task done. But then we see the impact of our work, like when we met a grant recipient?s twins, Luke and Sawyer, that we helped with IVF. Or the recipient who once had ovarian cancer, who is now having a baby! Miracles do happen, and we are so honored to be a part of them. But, the struggle, and sometimes the loss, is real and difficult. We ?get it? because we?ve gone through the fight ourselves. Cancer is a family/friend disease, affecting everyone.
Ally?s pursuit, after her cancer diagnosis, was to ?help others in this situation, whether it be financially, physically, or most important, mentally.? Our pursuit is to make this happen. We can?t do it alone, the need is great, and there are many more young adults to help.
