Think a happy Allie thought, and smile

2023 - This year we focus also on the happy event in June of sister Rachel marrying an awesome young man. Allie would fully approve ! 2020 - I have still included the story of Allie's journey and her strength in the story below. What is not depicted well in that story is the lighter side of Allie. This year, if you choose to donate, think of a happy Allie thought, and let it make you smile. Love, Luanne, Bill, & Dr. Rachel. 2013 - Allie's journey started on April 21, 2011 when she was diagnosed with a germ cell tumor. She had played rugby in the Mud-turtles Rugby Day game just 4 days earlier. Over 19 months she went through 13 rounds of chemo, 4 major surgeries, 9 ‘minor’ procedures, bone marrow harvest, stem cell transplant and radiation therapy. Allie WAS the definition of 'tough'. Allie's journey ended on November 26, 2012. During the time that Allie was sick, our family developed many close relationships with the Valerie Center team - doctors, nurse practitioners, pediatric nurses, social workers, alternative healing practitioners. Much of Allie’s remarkable ability to stay positive during her fight was due to the support of this wonderful group of people. Their roles ranged from ensuring that Allie’s pain was well managed to paying medical bills to spending hours chatting with Allie on the latest high school gossip. They loved Allie and Allie loved them; every single member of The Valerie Center team came to Allie’s funeral to mourn with us. They are exemplars of treating from the heart. Please help us to give back to the Valerie Center to ensure that every sick child they treat continues to get the same phenomenal care that Allie received.