The Western Pennsylvania Chapter of The Cure Starts Now was formed in memory of Alyson Usher. Alyson Nicole Usher was born in July 2006, she was a very happy and outgoing child, full of life and always wanted to make sure everyone around her was happy. On November 29, 2011 Alyson was diagnosed with DIPG, a fatal brain cancer with no effective treatment, and was given 6 to 9 months to live. Alyson took her wings in the comfort of her home, tucked into her bed with everyone she loved surrounding her in November 2012. Even though she is no longer with us, her legacy will never be forgotten, and we will continue to work on her behalf until a cure is found. We love you Alyson Nicole Usher.

"We honor Alyson's memory with the hope that other children will be able to beat this cancer. We fight so no other parent has to hear the devastating news from the doctors that there is “nothing” that can be done. It will never be enough to simply “make the most of the time we had left” and “just take her home and love her”. We have dedicated our support to The Cure Starts Now in hopes of finding effective treatments and cures."  -Alyson's Parents, Alyssa Hawranko and Nick Usher

The Cure Starts Now (501c3 Federal Non-Profit) is one of the only cancer foundations dedicated to a “homerun” cure for all cancers, starting first with one of the most deadly and difficult cancers: pediatric brain cancer. Many experts believe that the lessons we learn from fighting pediatric cancer may in fact provide us the critical first step in winning the battle against all forms of cancer, both pediatric and adult.