Meeting Allisa, What a Miracle | The Red Headed Hostess

I met Allisa tonight.

What an amazing spirit was in that home.  I just kept thinking to myself… the veil is so thin here.  I told her mother of the wonderful comments, and emails, I have received from you about how Allisa’s story (which was posted December 8th) has touched and inspired you.  Her mother’s response was “Good!  That is what she wanted!”

Since you were last updated, Allisa’s tumor has grown 50 % and her mother has posted this on their blog:

“…the hard truth is that Allisa will be returning home to Heavenly Father very soon.  We, Bob & I, cry alot, but Allisa is very content.  She is at peace and though this is the hardest thing I think that we will ever do in this life, I am thankful that she still can be Allisa and that we can talk together about her future plans.  That is not something any parent wants to ever do, but it has been  a sweet and tender experience. 

“She has had a pick line inserted so that she can be constantly medicated and not have to suffer.  Hospice will be at our home tonight to meet us.

“She is ready and a bit excited to leave on this mission she has been called on, it’s the rest of us who are going to still need your prayers.  Thank you for all who have done so much already!”

So here is what I ask of you…

Can you leave a message in the comments below about something that Allisa’s story has taught you?  Then her family can read your messages to her.

And I will start by saying…

Allisa, although you were mostly sleeping, your spirit was not.  My husband and I have not been able to stop talking about what we have learned from you just this short while of knowing how you have chosen to live your life.  And we will hold each other a little closer now.  Thank you.

66 comments

  1. I wish words could be written of how I feel reading Allisa’s story. My heart aches for her family that will be here on earth without her. What a blessing it has been for them to have one of Heavenly Fathers angels. What an honor to be able to have a child with such a strong testimony & sure knowledge of our Savior. I am sure Heavenly Father has been so grateful for your love & care for his precious child Allisa. I am so grateful that I checked your blog & clicked on lessons from Allisa. In an instant I was brought bck to what’s important in life. Not what Santa’s bringing or what works & doesn’t work in the house. But of knowing Our Savior & knowing even though some trials feel imbarable to get through with his help you can, just don’t give up.. You are in my prayers not just tonight but always..

  2. allisa,
    i laughed and cried through your story. i wish i could meet you! i could feel your strength. how blessed your parents are to have been able to raise you. and what a GREAT job they did!! your positive attitude is something i admire. you are beautiful. the light of christ shines in your eyes. thank you for your sweetness.

  3. After reading Allisa’s story I have been inspired to work on myself…I want to be able to be at peace and know what my mission in life is. I want to live my life in a way that I don’t have to worry about my future-I will just be at peace. Allisa always seemed to know her mission and even when it has been hard has been an example of the Savior. What an amazing person! Thank you so much for sharing this story. My life has been changed for the better for hearing it. I will continue to pray for Alissa and her family. I know that this is such a tough time for them. What an amazing young women and obviously amazing parents to be honored with such a righteous spirit in their home.

  4. Dear Allisa Berry,

    I have to be honest, what drew me into reading your article was the gorgeous picture of you. I must say I it really touched me how much your life is hard but no matter what happens you still are positive about everything. To think of what miracles you could do if you were given the chance to live a longer life. It’s you and people like you that keep this world a little brighter than yesterday. They revive hope in people and spread it like fire. I promise to you that from now on I will try to be positive in what I do in life just like you. One of my favorite quotes is:

    “You were given this life because you were the only one strong enough to live it”

    I do believe that is true. I really do think that your spirit was the only one capable of enduring everything you’re going through. Im going to be a missionary soon and your story really brought my spirits back up again. You taught me that no matter how much life or the circumstances around you seem to be getting you down, just smile. Ill remember that and your story for the rest of my life. Thank you!

  5. Considering how many people in my life have gone home too soon for me, you would think I’d be an expert at this. But I’m not. I tell things boldly, like I believe they are. I believe that if Allisa is called on this mission that it will hurt those who love her so greatly. As someone with experience I can tell you that in time, the pain will lessen, but there will always be reminders, and most importantly, the good memories.

    As for Allisa herself, after reading your story I am so inspired by your faith and strength. I’m currently struggling in my beliefs and if I don’t even get the chance to meet you before you return home to Father, I sincerely hope he sends you on a mission to bring comfort, love, and to help build the faith of others by being an angelic messenger.

    I will continue to pray for you all. With much love.

  6. I have been reminded of the strength that comes through remaining true to your faith and what you know to be right. I can’t imagine being as strong as Allisa is, that even with the distance she felt between others at school and in the ward that she remained cheerful and Christ like. She truly is a choice spirit that the Lord sent to the world. I think of her and try to be strong like her. To keep my standards high without compromise and to be an example of Christlike attributes even when it isn’t easy or popular. I thank the Berry family for their amazing daughter and sister. Her spirit has touched mine and I pray for your family to be blessed and comforted in this difficult time. Look to Christ and our Heavenly Father for comfort and they will cry with you, and heal the hurt to love and strength.

  7. I cried and cried as I read your story. My spirit was so touched. You are a true example of Christ. Your strength and courage have inspired me to be better. You are truly beautiful inside and out.

  8. After reading your story, I have come to the knowledge that I complain alot about the little things everyday. I need to be grateful for all of those things. I am going to try harder everyday to laugh more at myself and the things that happen. I need to look more at the big picture, just like you have done and be happy no matter what.

  9. Allisa and family, I am so thankful you have chosen to share the story of your beautiful life.

    Allisa has changed my perspective profoundly. To see one so young with so much wisdom and maturity is inspiring me to want to be like her, and not just someday, but now! I have my own trials, just as we all do, and had become resentful of the burdens I have been asked to bear. I am ashamed to admit I’ve even wondered at times if my Father in Heaven was aware of my pain. I feel chastened after pondering what I have read of Allisa and your family. I feel renewed and inspired to carry on.

    Most importantly I feel anew the knowledge that our Father in Heaven loves each one us, and is indeed intimately aware of our path in this life. In fact He has planned our path to help us become the very best version of ourselves we can be. Submitting to His will, and accepting what has been asked of us with grace, strength, faith, and love is the key.

    Thank you, Allisa for teaching all of us with your example. My prayers will be with you and your family. I feel it a privilege to be able to add my own prayers to all those sent to our Father on your behalf.

  10. I was touched that even times when Allisa was rejected, when people didn’t support her and come visit her, she was never bitter. She didn’t let that bring her down, or even have bad feelings towards those people. She is an amazing example of cheerfulness through the bad times, and enduring to the end with grace.

  11. I loved Allisa’s whole story and her attitude that the best is yet to be. I really appreciated her parent’s comments as well. My heart is heavy for her family that remains and pray for the peace for them that the Lord sends to those who mourn and miss.

  12. I’ve come into the site by accident, I believe I was led. My mother has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. As an oncology nurse I am fully aware of what her future holds until she, too passes over.

    It is good to see Allissa holding on to her faith, knowing that she is going to a better place. It helps reassure me that this is our path. We’ll go when our days are up, it is part of the plan. Our days are numbered like the hairs on our head.

    It still hurts to lose a loved one, but Allissa has shown thru her acceptance how it is to be truly brave, and to love the Lord faithfully. Thank you for that. I’ve lived a couple more years than you, but it took you to teach me this lesson.

  13. Her grace and goodness are an inspiration to me. And though I can empathize with her situation as she grew up (not the tumor…just the angst of growing), I wish I could have handled it better. Perhaps it was the goodness and righteousness of her parents that inspired her to be who she is. Something I did not have as a child. Whatever the reason, Allisa is an inspiration to all who have known her, or who have read her story. So I thank you for that. I thank her parents for sharing her with us. And also our Heavenly Father for sharing her with all of us as well. Though her tenure here is to be short, I can only imagine the mission the Lord must have for her elsewhere. And that is how I will imagine her. Healthy, pain free and being who her Heavenly Father always wanted her to be.

    My tears, and prayers and support go out to Allissa’s parents. I cannot imagine one of my own children leaving this earthly existence before me. I don’t want to imagine it. So that part, I understand. You are not alone in your grief. We will look at our children and appreciate and love and hug them just a little bit more from now on just because you shared your story with us. Even knowing that you will be together again, will not entirely make you feel better at first. It will get better though.

    Thank you for letting us share this with you. Know that there are many out there whom you will never meet who will be praying for you.

  14. Allisa, your faith and testimony is such an example to me. Words cannot express how your story has touched me and my life. Thank you!

  15. Alissa is a shining star and angel on earth. Heavenly Father sends these stalwart spirits to guide us, strengthen us, and to give us hope and love.

    Alissa has proven to be valiant and no longer needs to be on earth and so she can be in the loving arms of Heavenly Father. For that there is happiness for her and a bit of sadness for those left behind.

    May peace and comfort surround her family and our prayers be ever so felt by her family.

  16. What a beautiful young woman you are Allisa! Thank you for your faith and example! You are so brave and strong! I have daughters close to your age and so your story hits close to home! We will keep you and your family in our prayers! You are a beautiful example of what a daughter of God should be!!!! Thank you!

  17. Allisa, I just wanted to say how impressed I am by your wonderful sweet spirit and attitude, not only with this current trial in your life, but throughout your whole life. Thank you so much for being an example of abundant faith in our Heavenly Father and your courage to go through life with trust in His plan for you. I wish you and your family peace and comfort through this difficult time.
    Even though we have never met, I hope to always remember you and your wonderful example. I want to show a more positive attitude and complete faith in God and in His plan. Especially during this Christmas season, I hope to put more focus on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and his life and sacrifice that makes it possible for us to be with Him again someday.
    You are a beautiful young woman. Thank you for your Christ-like example.

  18. Thank you Berry family for sharing Allisa’s story….I really needed every bit of it right now. I have been praying for guidance from the Lord & I believe your/her story was a gentle nudge from him. Your families strength is amazing.

    I cried as I read about being left out at school & in the ward…I have been so hurt with my son being left out because we raised him differently than a lot of those other kids, you know with morals & good values. I will be sharing your story with him and talking to him about growing his testimony of the Lord and sharing it with others. In the end, the Lord is what matters and Allisa has taught me that. Thank you!
    I will continue to pray for your family during this difficult time. It hurts to lose a loved one, even knowing that they are going to a far better place & will be doing the Lord’s work.

    What a blessing to have received one of Heavenly Father’s choice spirits in your hearts & home. May you feel the love of those who have read your story and even more so the love of your Father in Heaven & his Son as you go forward with faith.

  19. Allisa,

    I have truly been touched by your experiences. I want my son to date girls like you that have such strong testimonies and values. I feel sad for what you and your family have endured. It makes my problems seem so small. I’m greatful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation. You are inspiring. Thank you for your strength and christlike example.

  20. I’m sitting here reading the stories of Allisa’s life and what her and her family are all going through and I am deeply touched. Her life and attitude and relationship with her Heavenly Father and Jesus makes me just want to do so much better. I so hope my children can live a life like Allisa’s and come to have that faith and close relationship with Christ. What an amazing girl whose life inspires us all. And what amazing parents to teach her so well and also have such a close relationship with the Lord. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I am forever touched and changed by your story and will strive more to become the person Allisa is and the parents you are to her. Thank you. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. May your strong faith and closeness to your Savior be your comfort at this time of need.

  21. Wow. I am nearly speechless. I have been chastened, but more importantly I am inspired. Thankful for another chance to learn and grow. I have a long way to go and Alyssa has inspired me to go the distance. Much love to you and yours.

  22. Allisa,
    What courage and strength you have! I have been so touched by your story but even more so by your testimony. The promises that Heavenly Father gives us are for forever. My cousin’s husband died of cancer this year and he was just barely 40. One of the last things they did together was spend time in the Celestial Room of the temple. A few months later her mom passed away from cancer, too. I think a lot about Elder Maxwell and the profound counsel and teachings he gave during his battle with cancer. How blessed we are to know the plan of salvation! That the trials and challenges that we have and conquer prepare us even more for the glorious eternity that awaits us. You have strengthened me more than I can say. Thanks for sharing your story.

  23. Allisa: you are truly an angel here on Earth. When reading your story all I thought was how much I want to meet you! Your example of faith and strength has been and will forever be a beacon in my life. I have recently returned from a path that I should not have traveled. I have been struggling in feeling my Savior’s and Heavenly Father’s love as I repent and return to their fold but your strength and faith reminds me that I am never alone. They love me and continue to be there for me each and every day, especially through angels here on Earth. Finding your story is an example of that. Thank you for your wonderful example of how I should live my life! I am eternally grateful to you and your mom for sharing your story. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  24. Allisa and her family have been a great example to me! I have a four year old daughter and reading about Allisa has reminded me that I need to see her potential as God sees her. I need to see her spirit as she is, and that He sent her with her own special qualities. Sometimes I struggle to be positive myself – and one of the things I want for my daughter very much is for her to be positive and love the Lord. If I can be more like Allisa, maybe my daughter can have this love and trust and the Lord too, and peace in Him. Thank you for sharing her story!

  25. Alissa,

    You are such an example. You have done what you could, and I believe that Heavenly Father needs a strong spirit, like yours back with Him. He probably wanted to give this earthly experience to you to give you the opportunity to have the body you deserved as His spirit daughter and to have you teach and show an great example to those you came in contact with. I admired the way you persevered all the tough and lonesome times in high school, but also reached out to lift others. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  26. I admire Allisa’s strength and attitude. It is wonderful to read such an inspiring story and feel a little bit of heaven here on earth. Thank you for inspiring me to stay positive during trying times. I pray for strength for you and your family as you continue on your journey here on earth.

  27. You are the living example of what a Young Woman can be when she embraces the YW values. You have truly touched me. I have reaffirmed that with the Lord’s help I can do hard things. May you and your family be blessed with the love and peace that only comes from a Loving Heavenly Father and the Savior. May angels attend to your needs.

  28. Allisa,

    You are truly an angel on earth who has touched our hearts and taught us of the love of our Savior. I feel of your spirit even though I have never meant you. I love the song “Each Life That Touches ours for Good” and it goes on to say how those people in our lives reflect the Savior loves. As you know the veil between this world and the next is thin may you feel of the Savior’s love for you and your family at this time. What a wonderful family you are all and thanks for sharing this beautiful and hard time with us. You turn our hearts to the true meaning of Christmas.

  29. Allisa-

    Thank you for your example of being who you are despite how you are treated by others. No matter others’ reactions to you, or lack thereof, you have stayed true to your knowledge that you are a daughter of God and you have acted accordingly. I wish I could say that I always act that way, but I don’t. Your story has set me back on that quest.

    Your story has touched many lives, which I’m sure gives comfort to both you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and them as you prepare to depart for your next mission, since it seems as though you will have fulfilled this one successfully.

  30. Dearest Allisa,

    Thank you. Even though we will not meet in this life, you have taught my family important lessons that we will all keep with us for eternity.

    As parents of daughters, my husband and I have been touched by the courage shown by you as well as your parents and family to support and love each other during this difficult trial. Your family is in our thoughts and will continue to be prayers.

    My eldest daughter is 13 and upon reading that you had completed Personal Progress at 14, it gave her motivation to do the same, but perhaps more importantly, for the first time she is truly inspired to participate in the program. She will mention you in her talk when she achieves her medallion.

    My middle daughter is 9. She is learning from your incredible example that we must endure to the end, no matter what that end may be. She was deeply touched by your example and has been journaling about your life this afternoon.

    I will share your story with my youngest daughter (who is only 5) when she is older and able to fully appreciate the gift you have shared with all of us this Christmas.

    May God, our Heavenly Father, bless you Allisa, your beautiful mother and incredible family with strength, comfort and love.

    Love,

    The Smith Family

  31. What an amazing girl! My brother left us almost 6 years ago, too young at only 25, but nevertheless lived his short life to fullest and left a profound impression on the rest of us to also enjoy life as much as possible. Alissa’s story reminded me a lot of my brother

    You have also reminded me to have more faith in a loving elder brother and Savior who truly does not leave us alone and is always there if we seek him out.
    My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family since I read your story and will continue to be. Thank you for sharing your wonderful example with me.

  32. Allisa,
    You are an amazing young woman! Thanks for being an example to everyone and for reminding me of what our journey is really about. Sometimes we get distracted with irrelevant stuff, and forget who we are and why we are here, but then angels like you cross our paths and then we remember. Your family and you are in my prayers.

  33. Thank you for this post, I have a brother-in-law with a brain tumor also and just recently lost a dear neighbor who suffer a long time from her affects from leukemia. But like her, you seem to be angel on earth. Thank you for being here, thank you for being ready to serve your “mission”. I’m sure you will bless many lives watching over us, as you have touched us here. May the Lord bless you and your family, our prayers are with you.

  34. Allisa–Your relationship with the Savior is something I will reach for. Thanks for your strength, faith and example. I imagine that since you are so close to the veil in this life, you’ll be close on the other side and that will comfort your family. :o)

  35. Allisa,

    I feel like anything I could write would be so inconsequential, from someone you don’t know and have never met, but I want to try anyway. You are a beautiful daughter of God. Thank you for living a life of goodness and kindness. I told my son about you when I read your story last week. We had the opportunity to talk about being strong in times of trial and keeping a spirit of happiness when we feel alone. Thank you for being the example I could share with him and I pray I might be a little more like you too. There is so much more to life than the here and now. We send our love and prayers to you and your family, with appreciation for sharing such tender moments with us. May the Lord be with you and your loved ones.

  36. Allisa,
    While I have never personally met you I do know of your trials. I talked to your mom back in the spring when she was inspired to call my home. What an example you are to them and all around you. It appears that while you were the one being taught you are the one doing the teaching. While words of comfort dont come easy please know that our savior is indeed looking out for you and all of us. When you see Tanner tell him we miss him and will see him again

    forever strong

  37. Allisa,

    I am so inspired by your strength. After reading your story, I can’t stop thinking about how much more I could be doing to serve others, and about how much time I waste doing things that simply don’t matter. Thank you for your example.

  38. I have not been able to stop thinking about you, Allisa! What a beautiful woman you are, wise beyond your years! I loved hearing your mother say tonight that you are ready and a bit excited for this new mission you have been called on! After teaching seminary last year and studying Doctrine & Covenants Section 138, I have a testimony that you truly will be teaching the gospel to those who were not able to hear it here. What an amazing calling!! The Lord chooses His best to come home early and save souls! I had a friend leave this life today. She fought cancer for the last few years and she is not a member of our church. As difficult as it is, I am so grateful to know there will be valiant, faithful, refined spirits like you ready to teach her. I only read your story a few days ago, but you have touched my life tremendously. I will be praying for your sweet family.

  39. Allisa and family,

    I just wanted you to know that Devin and I are praying for you! You have been in our thoughts constantly. I remember the day I first met you. You hadn’t even quite moved in yet, but I remember meeting you and being so impressed with the person you are. Your sweet spirit radiated simply meeting you and visiting with you for a short time. Please know you are loved by so many!

  40. Alissa,

    I am very blessed to know you. I have been in the Relief Society presidency in the singles ward since before you first started coming. I was impressed to see that first Sunday, and every Sunday since, you sat on the front, or second to front, row in R.S. meeting. I had no idea of your history until you shared it in class only a couple months ago. I was so impressed. Your spiritual maturity and love for life astounded me.
    I was called to be Relief Society President in the ward only yesterday. Less than an hour of me being set apart did I find out the severity of your condition. I couldn’t believe that I was going to lose one of the sisters that I had been given to watch over. A love for you came over me as I stood in the hall at church. I had never felt such sorrow for someone that I had barely known before. I quickly had to go to the bathroom to compose myself. We, as a ward, have kept you in our prayers for weeks. I had just assumed that through our faith and prayers you would win this battle. I had no doubt in my mind that you would overcome it as you did previously. However, I abruptly realized yesterday that after every prayer the words “Thy will be done” should and must follow. And as your fellow sister, I accept the plan of our Father for He knows best.
    You were asleep yesterday when I came to visit. I held your hand for a little bit. I talked with your parents. I watched your sister lovingly stroke your hair and pin a pink ribbon emblem to your shirt. Your house was surrounded with love. The presence of guardian angels was apparent. Peace resides there. I commend your family for their strength and faith. I commend you for your courage and desire to serve the Lord wherever you have been or will go. I love you Alissa, you have taught me the real meaning of sacrifice in the service of our Lord.

  41. Allisa and family,

    Wow. It is amazing to hear how strong you are, Allisa, at such a young age. We all pray that we never have to experience hard times, yet they still come. Your family is in our prayers – all the way in Hawaii. Stories like this help me to feel strong when I face my own personal challenges. So thank you, Allisa, for teaching all of us, including your family, to remember what is most important.
    “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes” (D&C 121:7-8). It’s hard to remember, but this life really is a small moment. What a blessed spirit you are. Your spirit will still be felt here on this earth by those who love you most as you help them in times of need. I know that spirits of our family and ancestors are here to help us. I know it. And I know the place that I can go when I want to feel closest to them is the temple. How blessed we are. I am so sorry – I can’t imagine how hard everything must be. You are in our prayers and we are sending love your way. Thank you!

  42. Allisa,

    Thank you for your wonderful example. The world is a better place because of you.
    My prayers are with you and your family.

  43. These are the times that we wish we could see beyond the veil… not because we don’t know what happens or believe that it will, but just somehow actually seeing it (and confirming our eternal perspective) would help partings such as this come a little easier, both for the one who is leaving and the many who are left behind. I have been touched by your sweet faith as you helped your beloved daughter finish her journey on this earth. Somehow, she just “got it” from the very beginning. And, just like the Savior, she was in control of her actions each step of the way. We all know how the Savior acted in the face of rejection and tribulation, and therefore, how we should act… but it is so few of us who can actually do this with any form of consistency. Your daughter must be one of Heavenly Father’s choicest spirits, because she truly had figured out how to be like her elder brother. What an amazing example she has been, is now, and will be forever because you willingly shared her story with us. Thank you!

  44. Allisa,

    Thank you for being brave, kind, considerate, thoughtful,….for allowing the Light of Christ to shine in your eyes and in your life. You are a marvelous example to all of us, as is your family.

    You will make a marvelous missionary!! I am sure there are many who are waiting for the special perspective you will have to share with them of your testimony and knowledge of the Savior and His gospel.

    I am sorry that your work here has been so short, but I am sure those who know you personally are grateful for any amount of time they have been able to spend with you. Yea for the gospel! Hooray to know that your separation will not be permanent.

    Thank you for so publicly sharing your private emotions and struggles. Our heart and prayers are with you and your family. May you have peace and joy throughout the rest of your journey. With love and admiration, Carin

  45. I know I don’t know you but you’ve been on my mind. A friend of mine had a brain tumor for about 6 years and passed away on July 4th of this year. He left behind his amazing wife and two little children. He was awesome–we were all certain he would one day be a general authority. There must be some important work going on on the other side of the veil to take such wonderful people from this earth. You will be in my thoughts and prayers!

  46. I guess I should introduce myself. I’m allisa’s older sister lauren. she and I are only two years appart and she is my very best friend. Growing up, allisa’s and I both struggled keeping our rooms clean. My parents eventually decided to make us share a room, at least that way the mess would stay in one spot. She was my roommate from the time I was 9 until I was almost 17 years old. so although we had a fare share of days where we wanted to bite each others heads off, we also were blessed to become very very close. I would like to thank all of you for your beautiful comments. They have brought so much peace to my heart, and to my family’s as well. Allisa’s goal has always been to inspire others and bring them hope. And it is wonderful knowing that she has been able to do that for so many if you, and to reach that goal. She is such a beautiful person, and although there are many loved ones that she will leave behind, I believe I can speak for all of us and say that it has been a privledge to know her, to feel of her spirit, and to learn from her. Thank you all again for the beautiful words you have shared. May our heavenly father bless each and every one of you.

  47. I cannot express the way this beautiful Daughter of God has made an impression on my life. To read Allisa’s story really made me appreciate my own children more, and how close God really is to us. How He is always with us. Especially when we wondering if He is there. Her faith, attitude, and courage is contagious. Blessings to this sweet woman, and her family.

  48. Allissa,

    I teach at a jr. high school and have often seen kids struggle to fit in and find their place in the world. You reminded me that everyone has a place with our Heavenly Father and his Son. I’m humbled by your insight, your courage and your faith. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your life and your inspiration.

  49. Spent a few hours with Allisa and her mother last Tuesday. Strong spirit and she will be missed! She is a fighter and we can all use her as an example. God Bless you Alissa!

  50. Alissa, I am so greatful that I was able to read your story. You are an amazing daughter of Heavenly Father and you have blessed so many lives by sharing your story. You are the example that every parent wishes for and your positive attitude is an inspiration to me. Reading of your trials and difficulties makes me even more greatful for my many blessings which I often take for granted. Thank you for the reminder of what is truly important.

  51. Your story has really touched my family & I a great deal. You have been a true inspiration to my 17yr old daughter who had been stuggling with her life journey. You have helped her to get her life into prospective now and has gained a reason not to be so down. My family want to help you any way we can but we are at a lose as to how to help you and your family. I am so thankful to you, Alisa for all the little things which you have tuaght my daghter without having met her. We might live on the other side of the world but you have been a true inspiration to us all. You will never be forgotten in this world or the next world.

  52. I have learned its ok to be ready and that I want be ready for my chance to be with my Gather in Heaven again. I want to have my faith in a place where I can pass through the veil readily with a smile knowing I have done my absolute best. Thank you Alissa for showing me that example. I know your work in paradise will be well appreciated.

  53. I read your story a few days ago and thought to myself, “Wow, what an amazing young woman” I felt saddened for your loved ones for the loss that they will soon experience by your passing. I teach early morning Seminary and with Christmas time approaching I have been thinking of a special message that I could share with my class to help them feel the true meaning and spirit of the season. Today I have decided that your story is perfect to share with my class of tenth graders. I will tell them about you and about your amazing courage and strength through out your life and then encourage them each to rededicating themselves to living every day a little better so that they can individually be ready and at peace to meet the Savior of the World. I am so grateful to you for your shining example of faith and pray that the Lord will bless you and your family in all that you are dealing with. I will remember your story and share your legacy of faith with my class this week knowing that our Heavenly Fathers plan is perfect if we will just put our trust in Him.

  54. I had the amazing opportunity to be Allisa’s EFY counselor this past summer (2011). She was the girl in the whole efy session that every girl looked up to, and every guy wanted to marry. She radiated beauty and strength in all that she did and shared. Her testimony was apparent in all that she did. You could tell right off that Christ was her best friend, because she lived by His example. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else… She absolutely loved and cherished the relationship she had with her Savior, and wanted others to feel the love she knew so well. I learned so much from her in those short seven days I was so blessed to know her. She influenced my life by her incredible spirit.

    I was privileged to go see her yesterday, and was immediately welcomed into her home first by the incredible power of the spirit, and second by Allisa’s beaming contagious smile. I knew she was exhausted, so I didn’t expect a lengthy conversation… but just sitting there holding her hand was enough. In so much pain, knowing her time was short… She was still just as optimistic as ever.

    Thank you Allisa. =) You will always be considered a little sister and a huge influence to me! I am so excited for you to fall in the arms of your Savior and best friend! Love you so much.

  55. Alisa, I’m reading your story all the way from Peru, and I feel like i’ve known you for a long time. You’re a great example to me and to my family, and it makes me so happy to know that your family is being so good to you, and that you understand so perfectly Heavenly Father’s plan. You are truly one of a kind. I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers.
    much Love
    S.

  56. Words are inadequate to express the thoughts and feelings that I have. Having experienced a little bout with cancer myself I am reminded by Allisa’s story of the miracles that occur through our trials. Allisa’s mother said, “if it is His will, that the Lord can heal her of this trial and work a miracle”. It is not wrong to desire to get to remain on this earth nor is it wrong to desire to have cancer removed from your body. I’d heard stories of people having a tumor and then, after receiving a priesthood blessing, the tumor disappeared. I thought I had enough faith to receive such a miracle, but that’s not the way it happened. Instead, the miracles that followed my diagnosis were manifested in countless ways. I see that through the acceptance of Heavenly Father’s will for her, Allisa and her family have experienced many similar miracles. The miracle of medical knowledge and technology, the miracle of faith being strengthened, of testimonies growing, of relationships being strengthened and healed, the miracle of feeling the guidance of the Holy Ghost, of knowing that God loves you, the miracle of many lives touched in a positive way, the miracle of peace that comes when we put our trust in God and turn to Him. Miracles do not always occur in the way we might think, but our Heavenly Father’s way of blessing our lives is usually even better than we could have imagined. Thank you, Allisa for living a faithful and positive life and touching so many of us in a positive way. Love and blessings to you and your family!

  57. Dear Allisa,
    Reading your story has strengthened my faith and my testimony that this life is not the end! Heavenly Father loves all of us, and has a wonderful and beautiful plan for us to live with our families in His presence again someday. Thank you for your example to the world.

  58. Allisa, your story has been such a humbling experience for me, as well as my family. Ever since we met, we have been great friends. I remember when I decided that we were going to get married and own a blue grocery store. And also the time where we made a treasure hunt, and buried a picture of the Prophet and some Smarties.

    I know that you are ready. And ironically enough, that breaks my heart but I know that through the Atonement we will meet again. You have been in my family’s thoughts and prayers. You have really made me realize not only how ready we have to be, but also to remember we are in the Lord’s hands at all times.

    We love you.

    Cameron and the rest of the Johnsons.

  59. Allisa, Thank you for reminding me that i have a Savior who knows me and loves me. You are a wonderful example. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Bless You!

  60. Allisa, you are a very special young women that you can tell is ready to return home. I know that there will be angels with you at all times. your story has touched lots of people including me. You are beautiful and my heart goes out to your family because I know they will miss you. the family chain will be broken for a moment but will be linked up again soon. I hope and pray that you are comforted and know that you have made a difference and have strengthened my testimony. Thank you!

  61. Allisa,

    I am a convert to the Church and death scares me still, even though I know it’s not the end. It’s really just the beginning. I have to say your whole story was amazing you remind me of one of my children who is very strong willed. From your story I am most amazed at your strength and your acceptance of returning to your heavenly father.

    It’s very hard for me to fathom the idea. Yet you and your family are enduring. I have a heart full of love for you guys. Thank you for sharing your courage with me and being a great Example. Allisa you are an amazing daughter of our Heavenly Father.

    The Whetten Family Loves you Allisa and your in our Prayers
    Thank you for sharing your life with us…….

  62. Allisa,

    You’ve taught me to better myself. I can always be more cheerful, more grateful, more prayerful, and content. You are an amazing example to me. I hope that as I live out my life, that I can be like you. You and you’re family are in my prayers.

  63. Allisa, I would just like to say thank you so much for your wonderful example. I’m almost 14, and it has inspired me and given me a personal example, and I know I will take your story throughout my life. I want to be like you, to be able to shoulder my trials with a smile. Thank you so much!!! 🙂 <3 <3

  64. I am now just finding her story and I feel so blessed and honored to have read abobut Allisa. What a special young lady! Such an example of how our Savior is. HUGS to her and her family!

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