Facing Loss, Family Builds Bonds of Resilience
Allison Fish has discovered a glimmer of hope amidst a profoundly challenging circumstance. Serving as the Administrative Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department at Grady Memorial Hospital, Allison has encountered numerous trials. However, she faced an unparalleled challenge when her two sisters and mother all received positive test results for the breast cancer gene (BRCA).
It all started when Allison’s sister, Abby Vanhoose, got hit with the news of triple-negative breast cancer at just 37 in 2019. That led Allison’s other sister, Andrea Kirby, to get checked too. As fate would have it, Andrea also tested positive for BRCA, leading her to opt for a hysterectomy and double mastectomy at 38. Meanwhile, Abby was going through chemo after her own double mastectomy.
Unfortunately, Abby’s cancer ultimately spread, infiltrating her liver, bones, pancreas, brain, and nearly every other organ in her body. Tragically, Abby passed away on August 2nd, 2022, at the age of 40, leaving behind a husband, a 17-year-old daughter, and a 15-year-old son.
The challenges didn’t stop there. In October 2023, their mother, Lorrie Pheifer, received the same diagnosis of breast cancer. Commencing chemotherapy in December, she was scheduled to undergo treatment until May, followed by a double mastectomy. However, in March, after enduring an extended hospitalization due to the adverse effects of chemotherapy, doctors concluded that her body couldn’t endure further treatment. On March 21, 2024, she underwent a double mastectomy, and thus far, all pathology results have shown no signs of cancer.
Allison isn’t facing this battle alone by any means; she has the backing of numerous family members. Growing up, she shared a tight bond with her parents, grandparents, sisters, and her younger brother, Michael. Reflecting on their upbringing in Magnetic Springs, Ohio, Allison emphasized the strong community ties and the familiarity among its residents. She fondly recalled the closeness they shared with their grandparents, who served as exemplary figures for their family.
“Our family has always been super close. Michael, Andrea, Abby, and I have always been really close and since Abby’s passing and our mother’s diagnosis we have become even closer.”
Now, after everything she’s been through, Allison serves on the Columbus Race Planning Committee as the Parade of Hope Co-lead with her best friend, Annie Stevens. Allison and her sister also actively volunteer with other organizations working to supporting individuals and families
impacted by breast cancer.
“As the eldest, I’ve grappled with feelings of guilt witnessing my sisters and mother endure their struggles while I tested negative for the gene,”
said Allison, “The passing of my sister and my mother’s diagnosis spurred me to take action, fueling my desire to volunteer with the Susan G. Komen Foundation even more.”