Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Littrell Littrell.
Hi Allyson Littrell, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our founder’s journey began in 2014 after being rear ended, the accident seemed minor, so she decided not to exchange insurance information. Just three days later, she was hit again and passed out in the street when she got out to check the damage. Rushed to the hospital, she woke up to the shocking news that she had a rare brain disease. Her brain stem wasn’t developed, and her brain had shifted slightly into her neck. The doctors had no choice but to delay the operation because the brain wasn’t far enough into her brain stem to operate safely, this meant she was required to undergo a yearly MRI to monitor the condition.
For years, the hole in her brain stem didn’t grow, until 2018 when she came in for her MRI, it was discovered that her brain had fallen far into her neck leading to an emergency surgery. The doctors discovered her brain had fallen to 21mm, a condition typically found on an autopsy. She was given less than 72 hours to live and was scheduled for immediate surgery.
Thankfully, the surgery went perfectly, although it required the removal of more skull and vertebrae than anticipated. She lost the entire back layer of her skull and six vertebrae in her neck, but she was alive!
The recovery was grueling, involving relearning basic functions like sitting up, walking, eating, and turning her neck. Despite the immense challenges and setbacks she was sick multiple times per day, she persevered, motivated by the love and support of her family and her rescue dog, Mya. Mya, her first rescue pup, played a crucial role in her recovery, providing the support she needed to keep fighting.
Foster2Forever Rescue was born from this incredible journey. Our founder wanted everyone to have an animal in their corner, providing the support they need during tough times. Our mission is to save animals’ lives and connect them with forever families!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running a nonprofit animal rescue presents a unique set of challenges, particularly in finding and retaining dedicated foster families who can provide loving temporary homes for animals in need. Each animal comes with its own set of circumstances and potential behavioral or health challenges, making it important for foster families to be patient and committed, even when faced with difficulties. Additionally, sustaining a relationship with these foster families after the animals are adopted is essential, as it helps build a community of support for future animals in need. Ensuring each animal receives the best possible care is paramount for them to find a forever home, but this can be difficult, especially for a small nonprofit that struggles with visibility. With many people unaware of our organization, fundraising efforts and finding new foster families become increasingly difficult, adding to the challenges of providing care for helpless animals that depend on our support.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a board-certified behavior analyst, I dedicate my daily career to helping children on the autism spectrum achieve greater success in their everyday lives. I focus on supporting them in various settings, including school, at home with their families, and within the community. By developing tailored behavioral interventions and strategies, I aim to empower these children to navigate challenges and enhance their social skills, communication, and overall quality of life. My goal is to create an environment where they can thrive, feel understood, and reach their fullest potential.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see Foster2Forever continuing to grow into a more collaborative and community-oriented organization. By staying smaller, we can focus on providing personalized care for each animal and meet the specific needs that they may require. We anticipate expanding our partnerships, like our work with pilots across the United States which helps us with nationwide adoptions allowing the animals a better chance of finding a forever family. As more people learn about our organization, we hope to bring in additional foster families and donations, which will allow us to take on more medical cases and care for even more animals. Our goal is to connect with a larger audience around our mission so we can assist more animals in need while staying true to our commitment to quality care and community involvement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Foster2ForeverRescue.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foster2foreverrescue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foster2forevertx
