Her journey as a carer began early—long before the formal diagnoses came. Illness showed up early for her babies: ear infections, colds that took weeks to resolve, and illnesses that merged together into patterns. Over time, what started as questions evolved into a new way of life, shaped by hospital appointments, diagnoses, and infusions, and then this led to a level of vigilance most parents never imagine.
But Alison never allowed CVID to define her daughters—or her family. She believes there is more to life than a diagnosis. Behind the medications, treatments, and planning is a family who laughs loudly, supports one another fiercely, and finds joy in everyday moments—activities like gardening and music, a menagerie of pets, and education.
Alison balances an impressive range of responsibilities. She works in health and disability as an occupational therapist while managing her chronic health conditions. She has spent years learning how to manage not just her daughters’ medical needs but also her own—all while building a home where everyone feels safe, seen, and empowered.
Her teenage daughters are fiercely independent—not just in spirit, but in action. They manage their medications, know their health inside out, and take charge of their routines with confidence and maturity. Alison has nurtured that independence, not just out of necessity, but because she believes in raising young women who understand their worth beyond their condition.
Still, the reality of chronic illness brings challenges. Some days begin with music rehearsals, school drop-offs, and everyday chaos. Other days are slower, restructured around fatigue, infections, and pharmacy runs. Alison’s household adapts to both. With careful planning, a cleaner to ease the load, and a home delivery for groceries, they’ve built systems to preserve energy for what matters to each of them.
Through it all, Alison has grown into her role as a mother while juggling the expectations of carer, advocate, and planner. She’s learned how to ask the questions, when to challenge assumptions, and how to build trust with her medical team. She tries hard to not have other people’s expectations shape her priorities. She makes space for what truly counts—connection, well-being, and fun. Some days it’s smooth, and other days it’s tougher.
When she reflects on the advice she would give to someone just beginning their own journey as a carer, her message is reflective. She believes in learning—reading about the condition, asking questions of different people, listening to other people, and not being afraid to keep challenging assumptions. She believes in looking beyond the illness and determining who you are. For Alison, it has always been essential to see her daughters as whole people—as creative, capable, and full of potential—not just “sick kids”. In her experience, a diagnosis will shape a family’s life, but it doesn’t need to define it.
Alison’s story is a reminder that caring is more than managing illness. It’s about creating a life filled with meaning, choice, and resilience—even on the hardest days. Through it all, she continues to support her family with humour, hope, and a determination to embrace every moment.