Ali Gerlach was born determined to live life to the fullest. She had a deep respect for all life. It was no surprise when Ali brought up the subject of organ donation at a young age. She told her mother that she would want to be an organ donor if anything ever happened to her. On January 26, 2003, Ali was taken to the hospital with right-sided weakness. Doctors diagnosed Ali as having Moyamoya disease. Ali went into a coma two days later and the doctors approached the Gerlachs about organ donation. "Knowing Ali's wishes, we were able to make the right decision," said Claudia. Ali's donation saved five lives. In life and death, Ali continues to make a difference in people's lives.

Claudia's Story

Alison (Ali) Gerlach was born determined to live life to the fullest. Ali saw every day as a new opportunity to experience life and experienced more in her 17 years than many do in 50. A gifted athlete, Ali filled her days playing volleyball, softball, and bowling. Ali was known by all for her vibrant smile, which was always present. She possessed a social ease that made it natural for her to meet and talk with anyone. Ali befriended all, which made her well loved by her peers. Ali could quote lines from any Mel Brooks movie as well as lose herself in the horrific stories of the Holocaust. She had a deep respect for all life.

It was no surprise when Ali brought up the subject of organ donation at a young age. She saw a story on the news and told her mother, Claudia Gerlach, that she would want to be an organ donor if anything ever happened to her. "We never thought we would have to make that decision ever," said Claudia.

On January 26, 2003 Ali was taken to the hospital with right-sided weakness. Doctors informed the family that Ali had suffered a stroke. A brain angiogram was completed three days later. It was then that doctors diagnosed Ali as having Moya Moya, a rare cerebral vascular disorder of uncertain cause that leads to irreversible blockage to the main blood vessels in the brain. Research at the time showed that Moya Moya only affected 1 in every 2 million. Ali went into a coma 2 days later, and was placed on ventilator support. The doctors approached the Gerlachs and asked about organ donation.

"Knowing Ali's wishes and sharing her views on life, we were able to make the right decision," said Claudia. Ali's donation helped give five (5) people the gift of life. Those who received Ali's gifts were a 10-year-old girl (heart), 37-year-old mom (lungs), 47-year-old dad (liver), 9-year-old boy (kidney), and a 39-year-old woman (kidney and pancreas).

To honor Ali's memory, the Alison Gerlach Foundation, also known as Ali's Rally, was founded in March 2003. The mission of Ali's Rally is to help educate high school students about organ donation. A relationship with Upstate New York Transplant services began to grow. Since its inception, Ali's Rally has raised over $130,000 dollars through annual events including "Ali's Rally at the Alley" and "Ali's Rally Uncorked." The monies raised by Ali's Rally helps support the Donate Life program in area high schools around Western New York. This program began in 5 high schools in 2003 and is now established 51 high schools. Students develop leadership and communication skills, as well as tools to organize and implement a campaign to raise awareness for organ, tissue, and blood donation. Each year at the annual Donate Life celebration, where all participating schools are recognized, Ali's Rally awards book scholarships to participating students.

Ali's favorite poem was "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. Ali made the decision of which road to take without ever knowing. In life and in death, Ali continues to make a difference in people's lives.