November 13, 2008 – July 29, 2025
Alyssa Katelynn had a personality that could light up any room. She was wonderfully sassy and always knew how to make those around her smile. If she didn’t want to do something at school, she’d pretend to be asleep. And when she’d had enough, one raised eyebrow and an unforgettable eye roll said everything she needed to say.
Alyssa was born a healthy, beautiful little girl. Around three months old, her doctor noticed that her head wasn’t growing as expected. After several tests, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. At 18 months old, she began having infantile spasms that we were never able to stop completely. When she was five years old, Alyssa was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Thankfully, her seizures remained well controlled for much of her life.
She was always the happiest girl.
I made sure Alyssa was always dressed to impress because I wanted everyone to remember her for who she was—not for her disabilities. If she wasn’t wearing a bow in her hair, people would always ask why.
Alyssa was incredibly strong and faced every challenge with courage. During the last year of her life, scoliosis caused her significant pain and discomfort. I made the difficult decision for her to have spinal fusion surgery in hopes that it would improve her comfort and prevent additional pressure sores. Sadly, she developed sepsis, and after fighting so hard throughout her life, she simply didn’t have enough strength left.
Today, I find comfort knowing she is whole again and waiting for me.
I can’t wait to finally hear her say the words, “Mom, I love you.”
Until then, fly high, my beautiful baby girl. You are deeply missed every single day.
-Shared with love by Alyssa’s mom, Rachelle