Help Alyssa Beat Leukemia

Alyssa Parrino is a bright 20-year-old go-getter who makes things happen for herself and others. She's presently battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a type of aggressive Leukemia typically found in much older patients.

A Hard Working Go-Getter Sidelined By Sickness

By the time she graduated high school, Alyssa had already successfully completed a year of college. Right before her diagnosis she was working two jobs while simultaneously putting herself through nursing school.

When she first arrived at the hospital, her red and white blood cell counts, as well as her platelet counts were so low the doctors said she should have been bed-ridden. They didn't know how she was up and walking.

She’s currently undergoing four rounds of chemotherapy and is expected to have a lengthy hospital stay. Alyssa is someone who is always working and active so it’s extremely hard for her to sit back and do nothing while she receives chemotherapy.

Alyssa loves kids and is known for buying the best presents for her brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Even though chemo is making her very sick and weak, one of her biggest concerns is not being able to buy Christmas presents this year.

Alyssa loves kids so much she opted to stay on the pediatric oncology floor where she's already making her rounds, checking in on the children. She likes to make sure they aren't going through their battles alone.

An Advocate For Other Patients

After finding mold on her hospital shower curtain, she successfully advocated for getting new shower curtains for the entire floor of the hospital. As a nursing student, she was extremely concerned because she didn't want any of the kids on her floor to get sick from the mold since they have compromised immune systems.

Mature Beyond Her Years

Alyssa's mom Karen describes her daughter as an old-soul, a fighter, and a giver and jokes that she wants to be just like her daughter when she grows up. The courage, strength, and maturity Alyssa shows is well beyond her years.

At just 20-years-old, Alyssa has already secured her own car loan and mortgage. She just recently got engaged to her boyfriend Hunter who popped the question in her hospital room.

Always Ready with a Smile

As one of Alyssa's employers, we have been blessed and privileged to get to know Alyssa as both an employee and a friend. 

Alyssa is an incredibly sweet and caring person. She would give her last dollar to someone in need.  She is extremely dedicated, always finding something to do if she's not waiting on a customer. All of our store's customers know her and love her because she takes the time to greet them with a smile and talk to them whenever they come in.

All Donations Are Appreciated And Will Help Tremendously With Medical Bills

Karen, who is out on permanent disability, is staying in Alyssa’s room round the clock to be with her daughter during her treatment. Karen used what little money she had to decorate Alyssa's hospital room for Christmas to remind her of home. She gladly gives any money she has to make sure Alyssa gets what she needs during her fight against Leukemia, which includes the possibility of a bone marrow transplant.

All donations will help her family pay for their many out-of-pocket medical expenses while she undergoes treatment. You can help Alyssa and her family by making a donation and sharing this page to raise awareness.

While we know that the type of cancer Alyssa has is agressive and this journey won't be easy, we know that she has the heart of a champion.

Follow Alyssa's journey on Facebook.  #AlyssaStrong