Hi my name is Kayla and I’m fundraising for my little cousin Alyssa. Let me tell you a bit about her situation.

More than a decade ago, our lives changed forever when Alyssa became gravely ill from a severe infection caused by Group A strep. There was a terrifying moment when we truly believed we might lose her. Thanks to the extraordinary care and dedication of the doctors at the IWK hospital in Halifax, Alyssa survived—but not without immense sacrifice. To save her life, doctors were forced to amputate all four of her limbs.

As Alyssa grew up, she watched her friends gain independence—sports, jobs, driver’s licenses—while knowing those paths would never be hers. That reality has been heartbreaking. One of the greatest gifts in her life has been her van, which gave her freedom, dignity, and a chance to feel like she belonged again. It allows her to attend school, receive lifesaving medical care, and simply get out into the world. For Alyssa, reliable transportation isn’t just about travel—it’s about hope, inclusion, and quality of life.

Now, twelve years later, Alyssa continues to show remarkable strength and resilience. Her journey, however, is far from over. She still requires ongoing medical supervision and monthly treatments to keep her immune system strong and protect her health. These appointments are critical to her survival.

Unfortunately, reliable transportation has become a serious challenge. The family’s van, which Alyssa depends on to attend her medical appointments, constantly needs repairs. These breakdowns have already caused her to miss essential care, and her mother simply cannot afford to replace the vehicle. At this point, reliable transportation isn’t a convenience—it’s a lifeline. Alyssa and her family truly need our help to ensure she can continue receiving the medical care that keeps her alive.

CBC News 2014 piece: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/alyssa-sippley-9-loses-parts-of-4-limbs-after-rare-strep-infection-1.2878837

IWK 2016 piece: https://iwkfoundation.org/meet-our-heroes/alyssa-06-2016