SHELTONBy Anna Weaver

Allison Christensen was a seemingly healthy 11-year-old who loved to run and play sports. Then, last June, the St. Edward parishioner began complaining of tiredness, shortness of breath and stomach pain.

Within weeks, Allison was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that required immediate hospitalization. She needed a heart transplant.

Allison got her new heart on Sept. 26 at Seattle Children's Hospital, faster than expected due to her critical condition. She has been recovering at home since late October and being monitored for heart rejection. She must take medication for the rest of her life.

Her parents said Allison remained upbeat throughout her medical crisis and never thought of herself as very ill. Allison, she's not afraid, she believes in God, said her father, Mark Christensen. She's a wondrous child.

That positive attitude led Allison — from her hospital bed — to make wallets out of Seattle Seahawks Duck-brand tape and sell them to help pay her medical bills.

It was one of those wallets that put her in the news.

While awaiting a heart at Children's, Allison met Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson during one of his regular visits to the hospital. She gave him one of her wallets, which he later displayed at a news conference. Allison's story received widespread media and Internet coverage after that.

Allison is on the road to recovery, but her continuing medical expenses loom for the family. To help out, the Northwest Filipino American Association hosted a Filipino-style lunch and dinner buffet at St. Edward's hall Nov. 9. They raised $5,768 for Allison, who was able to attend part of the event with her family.

Many of the volunteers and attendees at the event were parishioners, including fundraiser co-chair Irene Wirstrom. We always do this when one of our own is in need of help, Wirstrom said. Those helping organize the event included co-chair Glory Alexander and association president Lisa Dugan.

Allison's parents are grateful for the fund-raising effort. And they see God's hand in helping their daughter get a new heart.

If we don't include God in this, I don't think we would be at where we are now, said Allison's mother, Jovelyn Christensen.

I've always believed that she was a gift from God, Allison's father said. And it's God that saved her.

Contribute to a fund for Allison Christensen's medical expenses.

November 26, 2013