Advocate Spotlight: Allison McKissen

Allison McKissen – Donor Mother

Donor Alliance volunteers and advocates are the heart and soul of our efforts to inspire and inform our community about the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors in Colorado and Wyoming. Each of our volunteers and advocates has their own unique and inspiring story to tell. This month, we are featuring Allison McKissen, a Donor Mother from Grand Junction, CO.

What has been your favorite memory volunteering for Donor Alliance?

I chose to volunteer with Donor Alliance because I am a donor mom. My son, Tanner, was very passionate about organ donation and was a successful donor. I want to carry that passion forward by advocating for, and educating others, on this wonderful cause.

If you could go on an all-expenses paid vacation, where would you go and why?

If I could go on an all-expenses paid vacation, I would take my daughter on a Caribbean cruise. We have been through a lot together, and going on a cruise is her dream vacation…although I wouldn’t mind it much myself!

If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose?

If I could have lunch with anyone it would be Abraham Lincoln.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

If I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is buy a house outright!

What is your favorite season and why?

My favorite season is spring because it is a time of new growth and renewed beauty. Spring has a beautiful energy to it!

What is the last great book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

The last book I read was “Homer’s Odyssey”. It was a wonderful story about a blind cat and his journey through life. I would definitely recommend it.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The best piece of advice I ever received came in the form of this quote, “Stand like mountain, flow like water.” For me, this is my reminder to flex, learn, live, experience, and grow while standing up for what I believe in and always staying true to myself.