Alyssa's Story
An ordinary world...
Alyssa was a happy teenage girl with extraordinary talents. She was an excellent musician. As she mastered her art, she attended school in Geneva and lived a normal day-to-day life surrounded by her loved ones.
Alyssa enjoyed spending time with her parents, George and Yoli. Her parents were so proud of all of Alyssa’s accomplishments. She admired her older brother Vince, who inspired her to become a musician. She had a cat named Snowball, who loved her more than anything in the world. Alyssa, George, Yoli, Vince, and Snowball were a happy family.
Then, hours before her piano recital, Alyssa felt very ill. She was given a choice: go to the doctor for a check-up or play at the concert. This moment changed her life forever.
A Story of Hope
Alyssa was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on May 15, 2010. After being diagnosed with leukemia during her freshman year of high school, she continued to carry a heavy course load and participated in orchestra performances and sports.
At the age of 15, while Alyssa was being treated at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Lincoln Park, she created a collage of a Japanese Geisha which is now displayed on the 12th floor of the new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
By senior year of high school, Alyssa's leukemia was in remission, after which she aspired to become a doctor and began volunteering at a local doctor's office in Geneva, Illinois.
The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope is named in memory of the precious daughter of George and Yoli Alvin, Alyssa, who passed to her eternal life on July 8, 2014 after a courageous four year battle with leukemia. Alyssa’s strength and perseverance during her illness inspired many people including her family, friends, doctors, nurses, teachers, and music instructors.
She was truly courageous and never gave up hope.
A gifted child
Alyssa was dearly loved by her family and friends. Her positive outlook on life impacted everyone she met. Everyone from her doctors and nurses, to her teachers and coaches, was inspired by her courage while undergoing chemotherapy. She didn’t let cancer hold her back from her love of the arts. From the time she began playing the piano at age 4, she always showed an enthusiasm for the arts that would follow her throughout her life.
A love for life
Anyone who’s met Alyssa knows about her bubbly personality. She loved to sing and dance. Her smile and laughter was contagious which brought just as much happiness to everyone around her.
A desire to explore
Alyssa loved to travel. She loved going to places like Venice in Italy and Santorini in Greece. Alyssa saw the world in a different light and really understood its beauty. In her journal, she wrote:
“My feet are submerged in the water, yet the ripples of water splash against my ankles. The wind swirls around my body picking up pieces of sand which then tickle my legs. An ocean breeze flows through my nostrils, out my breath, and my mind has reached a state of serenity in the quietude.”
A passion for the arts
Alyssa, at an early age, poured her heart and soul into her music.
“The beauty of music is that it has no boundaries.”
A kind heart
Alyssa was always thoughtful of others and loved to give. This inspired our logo for the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope, the kind heart, as a way to represent Alyssa.
Become a part of Our Story of Hope
Alyssa's Story of Hope continues through the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. We want you to become a part of Alyssa's story. The success of our mission depends on donors like you. We'll honor her courageous and giving spirit through the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. Together, we can carry this mission to give the gift of music and visual arts to young cancer patients.