ResourcesAlyssa Brings Smiles to Paris
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The memory of 9-year-old Alyssa was honored recently at Paris Elementary School, when her family donated hundreds of books to APS students. Ten days after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoma Leukemia, Alyssa passed away from complications brought on by the treatment of her disease.
“We wanted something positive out of this. Reading gave her life,” said Alyssa’s father, Joe Hemmelgarn.
Alyssa loved to read so much that she sometimes finished three books a week! In honor of her, Alyssa’s family formed the “Alyssa Cares Foundation.” the family recently gave each of the 400+ students at Paris Elementary the opportunity to choose one book from the giant library they have compiled.
Private and corporate donations have allowed the family to buy thousands of books to give away to students, in hopes of growing each student’s love of reading.
Some of Alyssa’s favorite books are included in the library and have been selected by an advisory board of teachers. Alyssa’s family hopes to promote the joy and passion for reading.
“It hurts and it’s bittersweet, but at the same it is healing,” said Hemmelgarn.
The foundation has also adopted Iowa Elementary School. The family will visit each site three times this school year.
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