Allison, a senior manager in our tax practice, shares her journey of navigating the profound grief of losing her son, Jack, and how the unwavering support from her colleagues and clients helped her balance her career and family life. Through her experience, she highlights the importance of resilience, vulnerability and community in overcoming life’s challenges.
In her own words:
On Dec. 22, 2023, my life changed forever. My son, Jack, was born sleeping at 38 weeks, just days before he was scheduled to be delivered. We later discovered that he had a tumor on his leg, which turned out to be cancerous. Words like “traumatic” and “tragic” come to mind, but they barely capture the depth of that day and its impact on me as a mother. With two other daughters at home, ages seven and four, I had always taken pride in my ability to balance my career and my family, feeling fully present in both areas. But when tragedy strikes, you’re left wondering how to navigate this new version of life you’ve been given.
After we found out that Jack's tumor was cancerous, I had to start receiving scans every few months to ensure the cancer hadn’t spread to me. Balancing this anxiety with my grief was overwhelming, and I often wondered if I could continue performing at my best for my team and clients. However, the strength I’ve found within myself over the past year has shown me that I can turn this tragedy into an example of resilience and courage in every aspect of my life.
In the days and months following Jack’s passing, I received an outpouring of love and support from my colleagues and clients. This kindness became a cornerstone of my healing process, shaping me into the person I am today. It made me realize the strength of the relationships I had built over the years and reinforced the value of the time and effort I had invested in them.
The lessons I try to share with both my family at home and my team at work are the same. Showing your vulnerability builds trust and creates a space for honesty. Validating how someone feels can sometimes be the simplest yet most effective way to strengthen a relationship. Learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable is scary but necessary. Lastly, while we can all do hard things on our own, doing them together, with support, makes life and our goals feel less daunting.
My career has always been a foundational part of who I am. The flexibility and intentional benefits at RSM have given me the tools I need to achieve my goals and balance my responsibilities, both personal and professional. I am eternally grateful to our leadership and my colleagues, whose support has been instrumental in my journey.
I am truly humbled to be named “Working Mother of the Year.” This honor is not just a recognition of my resilience but also a testament to the incredible support network around me. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey and to those who nominated me. Your kindness has made all the difference.
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