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 Every
time I think about writing something to describe my neighbor, friend
and the sister I never had, I get so lost in everything I know about her and all the
fun times we had growing up together. The
most compelling symbol of mutiny against the power of death is the
restoration of our connection with living things. I
strongly regret the opportunity to create this site.
Every so often in one’s lifetime, you have the privilege of knowing
someone really extraordinary—Alison Gerlach was, for me, one of
those people.
Some say a heart will harden with age...
not a heart that has been touched by Alison's
smile.
Dear Alison,
Words alone cannot express how much everyone's lives have
changed without you. Though you are not with us today and we
know you are in a better place, we grieve for that loving smile,
laughter and those random stories. We know you are in heaven,
without any worries or problems. Ali, God needed another
beautiful rose in garden so he picked you.
Our hearts are sore and our grief great without you. We will
always remember the love, joy and happiness you brought to our
lives. We will remember the fun and wonderful moments we shared
with you. You had a way of bringing sunshine to a cloudy day.
You were the perfect friend and neighbor. You will be missed
more than we can ever tell you. You'll be our guardian angel
now, be the great one that you have always been on Earth. How
lucky are we all for being a part of your life? You gave so
much to everyone in your life. The greatest gift you gave us
all will stay here with us now, your love.
Go rest in peace my friend, you will never be forgotten. In
loving memory.
Love,
Keith Farszmil
Webmaster
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I've known Ali for as long as I can remember.
From elementary school at Maple West, to Mill, to South, we were
always the best of friends. We grew up together with everyone
on the street. To me, she was a best friend and the sister I
never had. Ali, Eric and I grew closer as everyday passed.
She has left me with so many great memories of all the great times
we shared. I will always remember...
-- Neil Farszmil
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Dear Alison,
There isn't a day that goes by that we don't
think about you and all the 'good times' that you gave us. I
try to always think back on the happiness and spirit that you
carried with you, which made you so much fun to be with.
Remembering the endless number of times we hung out and all the
laughter that we shared brings me so much warmth and so many smiles
to my face. You were much more than a best friend to me and
you taught me a great deal about life. We had an extremely
special relationship that I will cherish and value more and more
each day. So many of the times that we spent together I can
remember perfectly, as if it was only yesterday, that we were
enjoying the moments with one another. I will forever hold
them close and I will continue to laugh with the same sense of humor
that we both had. We know you're still laughing along with us
and we love you very much.
Love,
Eric Steimer
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Ali,
You provided my life with so much love, laughter, joy and
excitement. There is nobody to share my stories with and
nobody to discuss random stories with. It is just so hard to
go about the day knowing you will not be here when I get home.
I know in my heart you are there but its just not the same. I
get through everyday by believing in your spirit. It will
always live on in me. I love you.
If love could change the way things are
you would live forever and go so far
You'd know that I am always there
That I'll always love you, I'll always care
But love can't change the way things are
Or stop your pain or mend my scars
I hope that love can let me know
Not to give up or ever let go
Even though you're not in sight
You're in my thoughts day and night
Love is what will keep you there
And make me thankful for all we shared
Your sister and best friend,
Jessica Gerlach
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My sister Alison was the most fantastic sister in the world.
At the end of January in 2003, the left side of her body went
numb. My parents took her to Millard Fillmore Hospital.
She was fine for a couple days. Then, Alison had a
seizure. They took her to Children's Hospital. My
family and I were crushed because she never came home.
My parents had talked about it and decided to donate all of her
organs to UNYTS, or Upstate New York Transplant Services.
In honor or my sister, our family decided to host a fundraiser
to raise money for organ donation. "Since Alison donated
her organs, we decided to donate all the money made from the
fundraiser to UNYTS," my aunt said.
After the fundraiser, I was shocked to see that we made $15,000!
I said to myself, "I am the proudest brother in the world."
One of Alison's senior quotes said, "I live life like a game and
I don't intend on losing." All I know is that she didn't
lose at all.
I've always said, "I am going to be just like my sister."
The fact that she saved people by donating her organs makes me
want to be like her even more.
About a month ago, I met the lady who received one of Alison's
kidney's and her pancreas. Her name is MaryAnn, and she is
41 years old. It was the most amazing feeling to talk to a
person who has a piece of my sister inside her. I will
always love my sister, but the fact that she died is the worst
thing that has ever happened to me, and I hope nothing like that
will ever happen again.
Always had a smile on her face.
Loved to play volleyball.
Independent in her own way.
She was the best sister.
Open to everyone.
No one can replace her.
--
Kevin Gerlach
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Ali,
 Wow! I don't even know where to start... I miss you so much!
There isn't one day that I don't think about you. I just want
you here with me or I want to be with you up there. I really
miss you. Everyday, I think about what you are doing and I
think about the day you died. It still haunts me day and
night. I miss the days we would play softball together or go
shopping. I can't even explain how much I miss you. I
want to experience what you are doing right now. I miss the
way you would make me laugh or beat me up... LOL. I don't know
how I'm getting through this, but I am. I don't know what I am
going to do with the rest of my life. Everyday, I think about
you and your smile. I never want to forget you and I will
always love you. Ali, I love you and miss you so much. I
love you...
Love,
Claire Gerlach
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Alison,
There's not a day that goes by that
I don't think of you being here. You were more than just a
cousin to me. You were more like a sister and since my heart
has been broken, it will only mend when I see you again. I
will always treasure the memories you gave us. I love you and
miss you so much!
Love,
Maura Hettich
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My Dear Ali,
Not a day goes by when I don't think of you and how I, and our whole
family misses you. You were my Ali Bali. I have so many
memories of you from being a baby to the beautiful young lady you
grew to be. Your visits to my home at Thanksgiving when you
were little were always a highlight, especially showing you the
turkey cooking. Later years playing cards and other games, you
always made me laugh. We shared a love for cooking and
experimenting in the kitchen. I know you must be cooking up
some great stuff for all your buddies in Heaven. I'll never
forget how you cried and grieved when Grandpa got sick and died.
He loved you so, as I know you did him. But now you are
together watching over the rest of us, keeping us out of trouble.
I know we will also be together some day. Till then, I will
always love you and remember you, your laughter and smiles and your
unselfish love.
Your Aunt,
Barbara DiCarlo
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Ali and her dad stopped by to say "hello" after an initial visit to
Niagara University. Ali was all excited in anticipation of her
attending college in the fall. She was all smiles and her
presence made the office light up. You could certainly see
then that she was a very special person.
-- Robert Minicucci
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Ali,
We became best friends the first day we met. I remember, in Florida,
my dad told me that a parent asked him how long we'd been friends,
and when he said we had just met a few months before, he said he
didn't believe it because we got along so well and seemed so close.
I remember the day I found out you died like it was yesterday, and I
think about you and miss you more and more everyday.
When I'm out, I often think to myself, "Man, Ali would have loved to
do this with me." And I KNOW you would too, because every time I'd
call, you'd always be up for hanging out, no matter what we ended up
doing. Whether we spent all night driving around or sitting at your
house, you and I would have the greatest time doing it.
Friendship is eternal.
For every joy that passes, a light remains.
You will always and forever be my best friend. I love you and
truly miss you, Al!
Loving and missing you always,
Ashley Bognar
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Ali,
I don't even know where to begin. How about when we would be
hanging out and we could never stop laughing? I miss you so
much. I have such good memories and I'll never forget them.
There isn't a day I go without thinking about you or I catch myself
smiling over you. Sometimes I'll be somewhere or doing something and
I will start cracking up because I remember something you said or
something we did. Those are the times I'll never forget.
You left my life and many other peoples lives way too fast, but it
was your time and you definitely left a lot of goodness behind.
I miss you and love you! #4 will always live on!
-- Anna Nagro
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Alison was the daughter of one of my oldest and dearest friends,
Randy. From the time I was old enough to crawl and make it
next door to his house, we have been friends. Time and life
has taken us in different directions, so I met Ali only a small
handful of times. Rarely in my lifetime have I known someone
who left a lasting impression on me. This beautiful girl who
was wise way beyond her years, had the ability to meet a total
stranger, and within minutes be able to lift them up and have them
feeling better about themselves. Her warm and radiant smile
could melt mountains of Buffalo winter snow. What she taught
me is how rewarding it can be to put others before yourself, and
that along with the memory of her beautiful spirit I will carry with
me for the rest of my days.
-- Brian (BikerB) Becker
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Ali,
My coach and I were watching the video tape of the Clarence v-ball
tournament, and everyone kept asking why were you talking to the
girl on the other team instead of focusing? Catching up during
a game was easier! I knew you for a brief time, but you always
made me laugh... how I begged you to take a pic with me in front of
your dads Vette, prank calling hot boys on my cell long distance,
and the stuff you got from the basement of your school are some of
the memories I have. I miss you.
-- Annalise Freling
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The Gerlach Family,
Claire, Jessica, Kevin, Uncle
Randy, Aunt Claudia most of all Ali, we love and pray for all you
guys everyday. Keep your heads up. I wish I was
there for love and support! In these rough times remember to stay
strong, and don’t be surprised when your FAVORITE cousin comes
knocking on your door one of these days! (Uncle Randy I'm
sleeping in your bed!)
-- Cousin Mike & The Berthold
Family
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Ali,
 It seems like it has been forever since you’ve been gone. Not
a day goes by that you’re not on my mind. You touched so many
lives with your charismatic personality, and your amazing sense of
humor. You’ll never know what you truly meant to me and so
many others. I am forever grateful for everything you taught
me. I’ll never forget all the memories (A.G./A.B./A.N. &
J.O.). Your spirit lives on always, and you are forever on my
mind and in my heart. Keep smiling babe! I miss you!
“Close up these eyes, try not to cry.
All that I got to pull me through is memories of you”
Love always,
Jamie Otto
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Dear Alison,
I know that for a long time we did not get a long and I proved to
you that I was a good friend to your sister and then you later
accepted me. Thank you. I know that you were definitely the
best bowler on our team, even better then Jessica I must add.
I went to school with you for a couple of years and always saw your
dedication to sports. You made the team what it was and you
led them to many championships. Without your love and dedication,
your family and friends would not really know what to do, but
because you have been a remarkable and beautiful young lady, they
are there for you in many ways. Well I am going to wrap this
up. I know it was supposed to be memories but I didn't know
you as much as your sister. Anyway take care, I miss you and
love you, and I often do think about you when I hear the song that
describes you fully -- "My Hands."
-- Lori Arne
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Ali,
I know we only knew each other for a few years but within those
years we created so many amazing memories. The best one was
the beach, and now every year when we go there, there isn't a day
that goes by that I don't just think to myself, this isn't right,
something's missing and I know what's missing is you. My
family and I miss you so much. I can't even begin to tell you
how hard dad, yea that's right, dad cried when he found out, but we
were all there joining him. All I really have to say is I
think about you all the time and I would do anything to take back
all those silly fights we used to have and turn them into fun times.
But what's done is done and everything happens for a reason -- the
truth why you're not here with us today is because God needed
another angel.
I
love you and miss you so much, Ali.
Love always,
Anna Cislarski
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Ali Bubba,
Since the day I first met you at Storm tryouts I knew we would be
friends forever. I was so happy we were on the same team
(three years in a row). The memories we share will last a lifetime.
I will never forget the lightning tattoos you brought to our
tournament in Rochester and I broke out in hives. Lenny sure
never let me live that down. Our trips to Penn State for
volleyball and our many team parties were very memorable. I
will never forget our trip to NYC for volleyball. A weekend
away with our dad's, those are the times that are priceless.
Your dad was and is still so proud of you. I am so thankful I
had the chance to get to know you. I think about your smile
and your laugh everyday, numerous times a day. When I am sad I
look to you for comfort, when I am happy I listen to hear your
laugh. I know someday we will meet again, I don't know when,
but I know we will. I can't wait for that day to come. I
know you are up in heaven with Dana. She taught you how to use your
wings and fly. Thank you for all your support over the years
and the many times we cried together. You helped me overcome
my obstacles on the court and in life and I am eternally grateful
for that. Thank you for the late night talks and the times you
listen when I am driving in the car. Even in your eternal rest
you continue to help those you had the chance to meet. Forever
in my heart you'll reside. My friend, my sister, my angel!!!
I'll love and miss you forever. Till we meet again...
Your sister for eternity,
Leslie Meister
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Ali Bubba,
Love, I have missed you for so long. Storm was a great time
with you. I remember it was just you and me during Penn State
the very last day and we were trying to find some hemp. We
finally find a store and we picked some awesome beads and the hemp
we like.
But then we realized, neither of us knew how to make a necklace.
It didn't stop us because you know what... we resorted to the old
girl scout friendship bracelet way [LOL]. METRO BUS BROKE
DOWN. You, your dad, and me had lunch at that sub place.
You never did call about getting that job at the shooting club
[LOL]. I miss you Love, and I wish I got to see you outside of
volleyball. Always will remember running through the dorms
hiding from the Skids mom in the girls bathroom. Remember
Niz's B'day when we wrapped her up in that sheet, put her in the
elevator and sent her to the basement? I wish that I could
talk to you now, Love. There were some good times and I miss
our walk and talk we used to have.
I hope that all is well. I wanted to tell you that your missed
and I will always remember you.
-- Ashley Tinkey
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MECIENDO
El mar sus millares de
olas
mece, divino.
Oyendo a los mares
amantes,
mezo a mi niño.
El viento errabundo en
la noche
mece los trigos.
Oyendo a los vientos
amantes,
mezo a mi niño.
Dios Padre sus miles
de mundos
mece sin ruido.
Sintiendo su mano en
la sombra
mezo a mi niño.
~Gabriela Mistral
Ali, words cannot express how much we miss you.
Love,
Kathleen Bartels
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Wow, there's so much to say about Ali. First of all, she
was the best person anyone could ever meet. She had a
heart of gold and she had the BEST personality in the world.
Our fondest memory together was always leaving the bonfires at
long beach and all of us kids would go sleep on the hammock
outside of the cabin. Those were our best times together,
and they will always last forever in my heart. I'll miss
her forever, but I always know, that in a way, she's always
here...
~!*Words cant explain how much we love and miss you*!~
-- Ally Cislarski
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Ali,
We all
miss you! We will always have your memories, and we will
never forget. We promise to always be here for your family
whenever they need us. We don't have one memory of us that
was bad, you always smiled and had your head up high. We
will always love and miss you Ali!
-- The Bradbury's
(All 3 of Us)
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I didn't know Ali very long... we played on the same club team our
senior year and I played against her at quite a few tournaments. We
became friends during the tournaments and practices we had. We were
always laughing and enjoying ourselves trying to intimidate each
other through the net. We growled at one another to make the other
laugh and screw up. The smiling never leaves. Her face just lit up
when she smiled and laughed and she was always enjoying herself.
I didn't know you very long, but thank you for being a friend for
the time I knew you and leaving an imprint on my life forever.
-- Carolyn Uhrich
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Al Bombs,
You were one of a kind! Al you were always someone who I could look
to and smile at 6:30 in the morning during tournaments. You left all
of our lives way to fast and unexpectedly, and because of that you
always will be greatly missed. You really were a very special person
and there will never be a time that I won't think back at you and
smile. I will forever miss you and be thinking about you!
Love Always and Forever Your friend,
Amanda Cosgrove
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Ali,
I will never forget all the fun times we had at South. Especially
all of the fun we had during volleyball practices. You helped me out
so much with making the volleyball team and I loved becoming better
friends. I will always miss and remember you as long as I live!
Love,
Peter Silverman
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I was searching the internet for organ donation lanyards and I came
upon your website. My son is in need of a kidney transplant and I
was looking for fundraiser ideas. I love your website and I cannot
think of a better way to honor the life of someone such as Alison.
What you have done and continue to do will help so many families. I
wish you all the best.
Susan Taylor
North Carolina
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Dear Ali,
I think of you so often and remember all the fun times we had when I
was traveling for work. It was so much fun staying at your house and
doing things with you, your parents, Claire, Jessica and Kevin (aka
Greg).
Car rides to the coffee place, checking out Jessica's newest
boyfriend at the supermarket, going to the mall, going to one of
your games or going to Claire or Kevin's game on the weekend and
going to see Garth Brooks in concert with a group of 10+ people.
Your smile and laughter always made me realize what life should be
all about at times when I may have forgotten. Every time I think of
you I will remember all you taught me and hope to show that to
others through my own actions.
One of the songs you liked by Jewel called, "Hands" really spoke
volumes to me and I hear your voice whenever I listen to that song
or have the song play back in my mind.
"If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken" ... Jewel
Love you and miss you,
Mary Jane Blaney
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To the family and friends of Alison,
First I think that what her family has done, donating her organs, is
the ultimate gift, something from reading everything I've read of
Ali, I believe she would have done herself. This site, it is
special. I just found out tonight when I got home from work, that a
very special friend was rushed to the hospital last night, 2/6/07,
and was diagnosed today with Moya Moya Syndrome, I was online trying
to find out more about it, when I found your site. She is in her
sixties, I was told by her kids, that she is comatose at this time.
The Drs. are trying to stabilize her blood pressure, and they say
she has a 30% chance to come out of the coma, after they reach this
goal, but that it is inoperable. She is very special to me, I
was/still am, one of those very protective moms. She is one of the
few I left my kids with when they were young, the others were her
daughters, and my own family, Barbara is like family. My prayers are
with you all. I don't really care of this doesn't get put on the
site, I wasn't looking for that, I just wanted to reach out and say
how extraordinary your family is, for doing what you have done here.
In Gods Love,
Inez Monroe
Florida
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To Alison and your family and friends,
Many thanks for your inspiration. I have never known any of you, but
you have touched me with your honest communication of love. It's
special.
Thank you,
Mike Petersen
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