Our Family's Story
Alyssa's Light was born from love.
It's carried forward through purpose.
Together, we are turning our heartbreak into hope for student-athletes everywhere. Alyssa's legacy lives on through the students, families, and communities we serve.
Alyssa's Light was created in memory of Alyssa Peterson. After Alyssa died at age 13 following a mental health crisis, our family began searching for answers. What began as a family's journey through grief became a mission to create hope, build understanding, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Through education, advocacy, community engagement, and service, Alyssa's Light works to advance youth mental health awareness, brain health education, concussion awareness, and support for youth and families. Our advocacy led to Alyssa’s Youth Concussion and Mental Health Protection Act (Alyssa’s Act), landmark legislation created in Alyssa’s memory to strengthen the connection between concussion education and youth mental health. From legislative advocacy and public education to community initiatives such as Alyssa's Giving Garden, we believe lasting change happens when people work together. By working alongside families, educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and policymakers, we strive to turn compassion into meaningful action and create healthier, more connected communities.
Alyssa's legacy lives on through Alyssa's Light and the work it inspires. Whether through advocacy, education, service, scholarships, or future initiatives yet to come, we honor her life by helping others and creating opportunities for hope, healing, and positive change.
The People Behind Alyssa's Light
Different roles. One mission. Honoring Alyssa by advancing education, awareness, and action that support the well-being of young people.
Alyssa
THE INSPIRATION
Alyssa Peterson was 13 years old when she died following a mental health crisis. Her story inspired our family's mission to raise awareness about brain health, mental health, and concussion education.
She loved soccer, skiing, animals, adventure, and making people laugh. Her light continues to guide our work today.
Stella
THE ADVOCATE
Alyssa's mom, Stella Deslongchamp, turned family tragedy into a mission to create change, raise awareness, and support other families.
Stella leads the advocacy, partnerships and outreach that drive Alyssa's Act and education efforts across Colorado and beyond.
Emily
CARRYING THE LIGHT FORWARD
Alyssa’s sister, Emily Peterson, is a student-athlete, volunteer, and passionate youth advocate for mental health and brain health.
A lead youth advocate for Alyssa’s Act and founding Youth Advisory Board member of Alyssa’s Light, Emily honors her sister through leadership and service. She is a Colorado Positive Athlete, Children’s Hospital Colorado volunteer, and 2026 Presidential Environmental Youth Award recipient.
Dennis
A STEADY PRESENCE
Dennis Deslongchamp is Stella’s husband and Emily’s stepfather. He is a steady source of support behind Alyssa's Light. He has stood alongside Stella and Emily throughout their advocacy journey, helping turn awareness into action and supporting the mission to educate, raise awareness, and support other families.
Through legislative advocacy, community outreach, and countless behind-the-scenes efforts, Dennis helps ensure Alyssa's Light continues to reach others.