Who I am is not that important - but I would like to introduce you to my former work colleague Alison. When one talks about the "rock" of a work place - they may be talking about Alison without even knowing her.

A couple weeks ago, Alison passed away while packing for a well-deserved vacation. As may have said since her passing, "she was the best of us".

The joy of Alison's life and the apple of her eye was her granddaughter Aaliyah. Right before her death, as she and I chatted about my upcoming vacation to Disney World, Alison told me that she had always dreamed of taking Aaliyah to Disney World. She was never able to make it happen, the finances never quite worked out. And, as I heard the news of her death, tears streaming down my face in the midst of “the happiest place on Earth” my heart broke that she would never realize that dream.

In all of this, Alison would want more than anything for Aaliyah to be happy, to be ok, and to experience moments of joy and wonder. And I think we can make that happen for her. I am asking for your support to raise money to send Aaliyah and her family to Disney World in Alison’s memory. I have spoken to Chelsea, Alison’s daughter, and she is so grateful to have this opportunity. Any extra funds will be used to pay for Aaliyah to return to Horse Camp next summer, an experience that she cherished from this summer and would love to be able to repeat (Alison so enjoyed going to watch her perform at the end of the sessions).