BUFFALO, N.Y. — It has been 5 years since Alison Rose Waclawek passed away while giving birth to her daughter, Ada Rose Waclawek, due to a rare condition called Amniotic Fluid Embolism.
In that time, Alison's husband, Justin Waclawek, has been raising Ada and growing the foundation that he created in her memory.
AFE is a rare maternal complication affecting 1 in 40,000 deliveries. It is essentially an allergic-like reaction to amniotic fluid getting into the bloodstream.
See Alison's original story on WGRZ here.
Ada will sadly never know her mom, but Justin tries to keep her memory alive.
"I try to keep Ali very present. We talk about how mommy isn't with us anymore we talk about all good stories. We have a lot of family and friends that can remind her about the good things," said Justin.
And Justin, along with those family members and friends, carry on Ali's generous spirit through the Alison Rose Foundation. The mission is to raise funds to support AFE research and medical care for children and mothers. In the 5 years since it's inception, they've raised and donated $250,000.
They've given thousands of dollars to Oishei Children's Hospital, Sisters of Charity Hospital, and other hospitals near Ali's hometown of Rochester. And they've given a substantial amount the AFE Foundation, of which Justin is now a member of the board.
"Being elected to the board was meaningful to me. I was the first male to be on their board so I've been able to bring a different mindset to the table," he said.
He provides support for other grieving families, while cherishing his little family of his own. He's also navigating Ada's developmental disabilities, the cause of which is still unknown. But he feels Ali is their guardian angel, watching over them, and seeing all they accomplish.
"I know that Ali's very proud of us both," said Justin.
Raising a quarter of a million dollars in 5 years is quite the feat. They've done it through an annual golf tournament, and a hike and bike fundraiser. They also hold blood drives each year.
To learn more about AFE and the Alison Rose Foundation, click here.