You provided my life with so much love, laughter, joy and excitement. I get through everyday by believing in your spirit. It will always live on in me. I love you.

-- Jessica Gerlach

Memories

This section is where you can create a personal memorial for our lost friend Alison and have everyone that knew her come and add their memories and thoughts. We hope this site can assist in the grieving process and to all of us that share and suffer this loss. Rest assured you are not alone during this time and there are friends out there who are willing to give their support. This site also can assist us in keeping Ali’s spirit alive. You may submit you own memory by clicking the link at the bottom of the page.

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
Ali's Rally Webmaster

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

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

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

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

Ali,

 Ali & ClaireWow! 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ali,

 Jamie's tattoo in memory of AliIt 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

Dear Alison,

I know that for a long time we did not get along 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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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
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)

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

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)

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

Click here to submit your own thought or memory of Alison.