The life my daughter gave me is one that I had been dreaming about for as long as I can remember.

I had always wanted to do something to make a difference.  As a young girl, I wanted to be a doctor to help people.  In High School, the thought of being a lawyer focusing on women’s issues was intriguing to me.  In College, I wanted to work with a nonprofit and change the world.

Life doesn’t always go according to plan – especially plans made in Elementary School.  I settled for a good job, my High School sweetheart, a comfortable life, a wonderful church family where we could volunteer.  In my heart I knew something was missing.  On days when work was stressful or I was feeling burned out, I would get a glimpse of that dream that I had packed away.  I busied myself with daily life.  Once, pregnancy hormones flaring, I told Steve that it was too late for me to do something incredible, but the kids: they would do great things.

Life doesn’t always go according to plan – especially plans made when you’re trying to be comfortable in an average life.

On March 12, 2014 we welcomed our beautiful daughter Allison into the world.  Allison was the incredible girl that I knew she would be.  She opened my eyes to the special needs community and the struggles that families face to try to help their children get (and stay!) healthy.  She taught me how to love like I had never loved before – even when loving meant my heart would be broken.  She taught me how important it is to reach out to people and help them in their journey – through our tubie shop Team Russcher, by volunteering my time on a larger scale, and now, through the Princess Alli Foundation.

The life my daughter gave me is an incredible one.  It is my dream – and her legacy.  And I could never thank her enough for showing me how to live it.

XO

Melanie