Alyson Woloshyn’s philosophy that “you need to put back in more than you take out,” is not only a testament to her generous and humble spirit, but exemplifies the way she lived her life. At 32, Alyson was told she had lethal and incurable brain cancer. Instead of withdrawing, she set a goal of raising $50,000 (the cost of her treatment) as a means of giving back.
Alyson dedicated her time to advocating for brain cancer research and launched the Woloshyn’s Warriors Tour, a series of fundraising events, to reach her goal. Through speaking engagements, fundraising events, and a self-published book Blogs for the Brain, her efforts have raised over $98,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Alyson began her career at the University of Waterloo in Student Services, and then became the Director of Integrated Client Services at the University of Calgary. Her career, dedicated to supporting the student experience at university, included the development and implementation of the One-Stop Service Centre program for all student university needs. A passionate volunteer in the Calgary community, Alyson volunteered for the Calgary Stampede, the Canadian Cancer Society, and helped launch the University of Waterloo Alumni Chapter in Calgary.
Alyson lost her battle with brain cancer in May 2012, but her legacy and leadership live on through a cancer research fellowship, the Alyson Woloshyn Cancer Research Clinical Fellowship, and through an award created in her name at the University of Waterloo, the Alyson Woloshyn Leadership Award.
Alyson’s Mission Statement.
I am a legacy coach.
I fiercely protect my belief that all of us have the potential to make the impossible, possible.
The privileges in life afford me the responsibility to coach others to conquer their “impossibleness”.
I choose to invest my time being ever learning, eternally optimistic and ensuring I always keep my word.
I protect my health as my most precious resource, I know my body will only be able to support my dreams only if I invest in its healthy development every day.
I am grateful for the blessings of friends and family whose relationships I will make a priority to nurture.
I am confident that every opportunity I desire is within my responsibility to achieve.
I believe that by personifying these principles I will motivate others to realize their highest potential and through leading by example, I will inspire greatness in my communities.
