Today, we delve into the heartbreaking story of Lori Alhadeff, whose 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa, was among the 17 lives tragically lost in the Parkland school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. In this episode, Lori recounts the harrowing moments of that day—her frantic struggle to reach Alyssa and the profound impact of her daughter's vibrant spirit on everyone around her. Lori and her husband, Dr. Ilan Alhadeff, turned their grief into action by founding Make Our Schools Safe, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering a culture of safety in schools. In this episode, Lori shares her compelling journey from mourning to advocacy, including her role as a school board member and her push for critical safety reforms. She highlights the urgent need for proactive school safety measures and robust mental health support for survivors and their families. Lori advocates for Alyssa's Law, which aims to install panic buttons in schools to enhance emergency response times. She emphasizes the importance of being an informed voter and engaging at the local level to effect change. Lori's relentless commitment to improving school safety is underscored by her recent accomplishments, including the creation of a playground dedicated to Alyssa’s memory. Her resilience and passion are truly inspiring as she encourages listeners to get involved, ask tough questions about safety policies, and support essential reforms. Lori will move and motivate listeners during this conversation that underscores the crucial need for vigilance and proactive measures in our schools.
