The Ally Foundation

There are times in life when you meet the most amazing people. That's how I felt when I had the pleasure of meeting with Andrea Casanova (holding picture of Ally in left photo) and Steve Stiles (behind picture of Ally in left photo) last week. While in Boston for work I was able to meet with this extraordinary couple who's daughter Alexandra (Ally) Nicole Zapp was murdered just over 3 years ago. Like the murder of my sister Sheryl Gardner, this murder was senseless and preventable. Neither Paul Leahy, Ally's killer or Ralph Power, Sheryl's killer, should have been roaming the streets. Both should have been behind bars.

Andrea and Steve are so similar to myself in that they are determined to make changes in the name of public safety. Within months of Ally's murder they started The ALLY Foundation. The ALLY Foundation is a national, citizen-based non-profit focused on awareness, research and reform initiatives that target the prevention of sexual violence. Read more about their story, their accomplishments to date, and their hopes for the future by visiting The Ally Foundation Web Site.