ALISA STEWART NEVER FORGOTTEN

When you walk down the Hurley Wellness path on W. Fifth Avenue, know that it is more than just a paved walkway with ten fitness stations along the wa. It is a community effort, brought to life by gifts from Kettering University, Flint Land Bank, and the City of Flint, along with other community donations. These fitness stations, designed to give the walker a workout along their path to wellness, are interspersed between benches to provide a rest or to simply enjoy the outdoors. One bench stands out – a beautiful bench dedicated to Alisa Stewart.

It was Alisa who had the vision for this wellness path, and it was Alisa who had the determination and drive to get the community together to make it happen. Sadly, she never would see the project to completion. Alisa died in a tragic car accident on March 24, 2020, as the project was underway. Alisa was the Administrator for Wellness and Population Health Management at Hurley, but the void left by her loss was felt not just throughout the hospital, but throughout the community as well. A member of the Corridor Alliance board and executive committee, a mother, coworker, friend, sister, daughter – Alisa was such a big part of the community, and her contributions were even bigger. But even bigger still was her heart. According to Danielle Campbell, Community Wellness Manager at Hurley, Alisa was one of a kind. Alisa was Danielle’s direct supervisor and mentor, but most of all a close and dear friend. Danielle described Alisa Alisa was such a big part of the community, " and her contributions were even bigger."

as “friendly to everyone, a tremendous listener, sincere, funny, energetic, and incredibly smart.” Alisa’s two children were her biggest source of pride and passion and she frequently talked about them to her coworkers. Danielle also mentioned her infectious laugh as a sound she’ll never forget.

Kudos to Alisa Stewart, someone who lived her life like a true hero!

MOBILE DEVICE VIEWER CLICKLINKTOWATCH VIDEO NOW: bit.ly/KudosAlisa Stewart

Alisa was a giver, and that was clear to anyone who met her. She gave to her children, " she gave to her coworkers, and she gave to her community."

“Community was everything to Alisa,” says Danielle. She dedicated her career to improving the social determinants of health for our community members, such as food and health care access. Her coworkers and staff have worked to continue her legacy by carrying on her vision and doing their best to fill her shoes. They remain dedicated to keeping the Food FARMacy open and adding to the Hurley Wellness Path, as well as continuing activities with her community partnerships and networks. The team she led, along with Hurley senior leadership, have helped this transpire, although the spark Alisa brought to the role can never be replaced. Alisa was a giver, and that was clear to anyone who met her. She gave to her children, she gave to her coworkers, and she gave to her community. But her most extraordinary gift was saved until after her death. Alisa donated her organs and saved the lives of four people. Because of this amazing woman ’s selfless act of courage four people were given a second chance at life. I can’t think of a more meaningful gift. When I asked Danielle how she’s honoring Alisa’s legacy in everyday life, she said she’s trying to say “yes” more, stating, “Alisa rarely said ‘no’ to an invitation.” One way to say “yes” is to become a donor. It’s simple, quick, and lifesaving. Another way is to become involved in your community. Join volunteer programs, donate to your community, or start a little free library. Every little bit counts, and you never know how much it may mean to someone. However we choose to honor Alisa, I just hope it makes her proud.