Tragically on August 16th 2019, Alison Rose Waclawek passed away while giving birth to her daughter Ada Rose Waclawek due to a rare and often fatal condition called Amniotic Fluid Embolism. In a true miracle Ada Rose survived and is thriving. Alison brought so much love and light into this world that can never be replaced. This Foundation has been created to honor her memory and to try to continue her legacy.
Please browse the following news articles about Alison, this tragic story, and the Foundation created as a result.
Alison Rose Foundation Announces $85,000 in Annual Giving
Buffalo, NY – The Alison Rose Foundation announced it would be donating $85,000 to organizations that support amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) research and awareness and provide medical care for mothers and babies. Our 2025 recipients include the Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) Foundation, Mercy Hospital, and F.F. Thompson Hospital.
With the announcement, the Alison Rose Foundation eclipses the $340,000 mark in total giving since its inception to organizations that support maternal and baby health and direct support to families impacted by AFEs.
The Alison Rose Foundation was established in honor of Ali Waclawek, who passed away tragically from an AFE during childbirth on August 16, 2019.
AFE is a rare and unexpected birth complication that is characterized by acute and rapid collapse of mother and/or baby as a result of an allergic-like reaction to the entrance of amniotic fluid or fetal debris entering the mother's circulatory system; a normally benign result of birth. Estimated to occur 1 in 40,000 pregnancies, it can affect any woman in any pregnancy. AFE is unpreventable and often-fatal, thus making it difficult to study.
The 2025 Giving Recipients include:
$45,000 to the Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) Foundation to further research efforts of amniotic fluid embolisms, a rare and often fatal birth complication. The announcement comes on Alison Rose Waclawek’s 38th birthday (October 22nd), who the Alison Rose Foundation was created to honor after her tragic passing.
“Since our founding in 2020, we have donated over $175,000 to the AFE Foundation. We are proud to once again make a significant contribution this year made possible by the incredible support we receive from Ali’s family, friends, and the communities of Buffalo and Rochester,” says Justin Waclawek, Co-Founder/President of the Alison Rose Foundation. “Our goal is to one day prevent anyone from having to experience this devastating birth complication. The AFE Foundation and their mission and dedication to advancing AFE research is in lockstep with that goal. Every day, we work to continue Ali’s legacy of giving back to others and this $45,000 will go a long way in doing this.”
“This meaningful gift will support the expansion of our educational initiatives, enabling us to further equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve recognition, response, and outcomes for patients impacted by amniotic fluid embolism. At a time when global charitable giving has reached historic lows, the continued generosity of the Alison Rose Foundation stands as a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to saving mothers’ lives—fueling meaningful progress in education, awareness, and advocacy when it is needed most,” shared Miranda Klassen, Executive Director of the AFE Foundation.
$25,000 to Mercy Hospital for the purchase of two postpartum hemorrhage carts for the Mother Baby Unit and the Labor and Delivery Unit, which will standardize the highest level of care at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. These carts will improve outcomes for mothers that deliver at Mercy Hospital..
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality. Rapid identification and intervention are critical in producing positive outcomes. Preparedness and immediate access to hemorrhage response supplies is essential in managing PPH. Delays in obtaining medications, IV equipment, and supplies can cause confusion during emergency situations.
“I would like to thank the Allison Rose Foundation for their generous gift to Mercy Hospital in Alison's memory. The purchase of two postpartum hemorrhage carts will allow us to be able to respond swiftly and effectively during this type of obstetric emergency. This gift means so much to us and will go a long way as we always aim to provide exceptional, life-saving care for women and prevent any family from having to go through what Allison's had to. We are deeply grateful for your generosity,” said Cheryl Madge, Director of Women and Infant Services, Sisters of Charity, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo.
$15,000 to F.F Thompson Hospital
We are honored by the Alison Rose Foundation’s generosity and partnership. Their gift will help us expand our Birthing Center, ensuring every mother and baby in our community has access to exceptional, compassionate care close to home.
— Heather Rickett, Director, The F.F. Thompson Foundation
“The Alison Rose Foundation is honored to be able to provide Finger Lakes Health with essential equipment that will directly support the care of mothers and babies,” says Justin Waclawek. “This donation reflects our ongoing commitment to improving maternal health outcomes in the Finger Lake region.”
About the Alison Rose Foundation
The Alison Rose Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in March 2020, was created to honor the memory and continue the legacy of Dr. Alison ‘Ali’ Rose Waclawek, who tragically passed away while giving birth to her daughter, Ada Rose Waclawek, on August 16, 2019 due to an amniotic fluid embolism.
Ali was born in Rochester, NY where her parents and brothers still reside today. Alison attended the University at Buffalo and then the D’Youville College School of Pharmacy in Buffalo, NY where she met her husband, Justin Waclawek. She had an accomplished life and career in Buffalo that included becoming a Buffalo Jill and, upon completion of school, a Supervising Pharmacist with Walgreens. She was extremely active in her community and her profession and she had a positive impact on many people in both cities.
Since its inception, the Alison Rose Foundation has hosted several community blood drives, helping to collect hundreds of units of life-saving blood products. The organization also raises funds through other events, including the Alison Rose Foundation golf tournament, the Tour de Ali, and an annual appeal.
Those interested in supporting the mission of the Alison Rose Foundation are encouraged to learn more and donate at https://www.alisonrosefoundation.com/. Any donation amount is appreciated.
About the AFE Foundation
The Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation, founded in 2008, is the leading expert in amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) education and research and the largest support organization for impacted families and healthcare workers around the world. The AFE Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at www.afesupport.org.
About Amniotic Fluid Embolism:
Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare, unexpected, and often-fatal birth complication that is thought to be an allergic-like reaction to the entrance of amniotic fluid or fetal cells entering the mother's circulatory system during labor or birth.
About Mercy Hospital - Maternity Care Overview
Ranked among the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report, Mercy Hospital’s Family Birthplace features a newly renovated Labor and Delivery (L&D) Unit with nine new and modernized birthing rooms and two state-of-the-art L&D operating rooms. Five of the birthing rooms are equipped with Jacuzzi tubs and all rooms are equipped with specialized showers for hydrotherapy. Additional features of the new birthing rooms include soothing lighting that can be adjusted to mother’s preference, flat-screen TVs, birthing and peanut balls, recliners and sleeper sofas for birthing partners and, as always, 24/7 in-house OB/GYN physicians, neonatal coverage, 24/7 anesthesia coverage for epidurals and C-section deliveries,and around-the-clock midwifery services.
The Mother-Baby Unit features all private patient rooms and a family waiting area, offering patients and their families all the comforts and amenities of “hotel-like” accommodations to celebrate the arrival of their newborn. The unit also features a full-term nursery and a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit equipped with the latest advanced technology to provide exceptional care for babies. The Family Birthplace provides patients with lactation consultants and is staffed with OB/GYN physicians, midwives and anesthesiologists 24 hours a day.
About F.F. Thompson Hospital
Thompson Health, part of UR Medicine, is the parent corporation overseeing the operation of five affiliate healthcare organizations in Ontario, Livingston, and Wayne counties. The corporations include F.F. Thompson Hospital, M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, FFTH Properties and Services, F.F. Thompson Foundation and F.F.T. Senior Communities.The mission is to continuously improve the health of the residents and communities of the Finger Lakes and the surrounding region.
Alison Rose Foundation Update
WGRZ news segment story by Melissa Holmes 11/18/24
February 25, 2023 Blood Drive at D’Youville College
