A diagnosis of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – Lou Gehrig’s) is never a laughing matter, but Sandi D’Alessandro, diagnosed with ALS this past December at 58, has decided it stands for “Always Laugh Sandi!” Turning ALS on its head every chance she gets, D’Alessandro is using every opportunity to find joy and laughter in the midst of a world turned upside down. She says, “the cool part is when you laugh, you just get better.”
She matter-of-factly explains that with ALS, “the motor-neuron cells begin to die for no apparent reason. It affects everyone differently.”
An art teacher for 36 years, she taught in other areas before coming to teach at Cave Spring High school and then at Hidden Valley when it first opened. D’Alessandro has a genuine, sweet and enthusiastic approach with kids, and has had an enviable positive influence on innumerable students over the years. She is a gifted, award-winning artist who probably could have made an even bigger mark in the art world itself, but had a calling for kids, and has created a legacy of helping young people discover their artistic talents and the very best they have in themselves.
D’Alessandro has so many students she remembers and is still in touch with, that she hesitates to single any out; many have gone on to pursue art careers, and some at prestigious schools such as Pratt, Parsons and NYU. She recalls a particularly busy and exhausting day at school that kept her there late. She happened to check her mailbox and “in it was a letter from a young lady, a former student, who wrote about her education, which included a Masters in Art, and she said, ‘but you are my most influential teacher.’ I thought, now I know why I stayed here until 6:00 at night!”
Former student Alex Hodges said, “She was like a mom to everybody. You could tell that when a kid came through the art department who needed some encouragement, she was caring and nurturing towards them. Kids can be disrespectful, but everyone loved her.” He added that “a lot of people are not aware that she is also an award winning artist.” Andrea Bidanset, HVHS ’05, said that “Mrs. D’Alessandro was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She is incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and inspiring. My ongoing love for creating and appreciating art is greatly due to my experiences with her.”
D’Alessandro, or “Mrs. D” as the kids call her, also happens to be one of the most “put together” gals around. She is one of those people who seamlessly combines elegance with a dash of creativity – like wearing a smart, brightly colored tweed blazer with just the right choice of accessories to make it more fun and interesting. Always the attractive one in the bunch, it is actually Sandi’s unassuming, fun-loving and caring personality that truly makes her stand out.
Sprinkling her greetings with a trademark “doll-baby” and other southern endearments, there aren’t many adults or students who aren’t quickly and completely taken in by her charm. The fact that Mrs. D is now in a battle most would prefer to not even contemplate, has caused an ever-widening group of family, friends, and co-workers to rally around her.
In an effort to help offset the mounting medical bills, friends and supporters recently organized a benefit which took place on Sept. 30 at the Shenandoah Club. It was a collaborative effort, with Karen Ewell getting the ball rolling, after former student Meg Feldman began to explore ways the community could help. Donna and Barry Tucker, and Nancy Stark were also involved in planning the event. Ewell suggested that a print of Sandi’s work would be a popular item and a perfect way to allow supporters to donate and help their friend. Local artist Eric Fitzpatrick “was [also] instrumental in helping get everything together with this,” said D’Alessandro.
Recently, fellow artist and friend Tracy Budd stopped in to help ready the house for a family gathering. D’Alessandro observed, “It’s good to ask for help.” Tracy chimed in: “You don’t know what to do … Sandi tells us, and we like that!” It is hard to be discouraged around D’Alessandro, who says, “I am so blessed with so many wonderful friends in this community, who have embraced me and what I’m doing … so many cards, prayers; I just have to get well.” She remains optimistic, saying “I believe in miracles; things are going to get better.” Budd adds, “Everyone around you does,” too.
D’Alessandro’s husband Frank also stops in to check on things and get Sandi situated before heading back into town to work. He is totally supportive of the wife he adores. They both agree with her assessment: “This is a very different road – a very surprising road to have to walk down.” Frank says, “it is such a rare disease that we just couldn’t believe it when doctors began to suspect she had it.”
There is a large glass jar on the kitchen counter full of olive shells –her favorite. Visitors are asked to take one and to use it as a reminder to pray for her recovery – and to envision the day when D’Alessandro will be able to stand on her own at one of her favorite places, on the sand, near the surf, at the beach.
D’Alessandro’s “Healing the Soul” print is also available at: Simply Framing by Kristi on Brambleton, Signature 9 Gallery at Kirk and Jefferson, and Graphics Etc. at the Forum on Starkey Road.