Our story

Following the tragic passing of Alysha on November 25, 2014, the Oliphant’s were determined to ensure Alysha’s Heart Journey and legacy would never be forgotten. When Kelsi, Alysha’s middle sister returned to school in Connecticut in the Spring of 2015, she set her mind to holding a match in memory with the Quinnipiac University Women’s Tennis team to raise funds and bring awareness to the disease that ultimately took her sister’s life. The “I Wear Red For Alysha” campaign’s success exceeded expectations, bringing out 350 student-athletes, selling 55 t-shirts, and raising over $850 in one afternoon.

Overwhelmed with support, the Oliphant family knew this was the beginning of something truly special that would allow them the opportunity to help children and their families throughout the medical community. On November 25, 2015, one year after Alysha’s passing, the Oliphant family established Angel with Attitude and began their journey.

The name Angel with Attitude originally came from Dr. Joyce Harder, Alysha’s Cardiologist who often referred to Alysha as a ‘chick with an attitude’, due to her feisty personality that gave her the will to live, from the day she was born. Thus, it was no surprise when the Oliphant family sat down to begin brainstorming potential names for the foundation, that changing ‘chick with an attitude’ to Angel with Attitude, was the perfect fit as our ‘chick’ had now become a beautiful Angel.

Heart Hero in Heaven

On November 25, 2014 Alysha passed away from complications related to Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

I wear Red for ALysha

On March 31, 2015 Kelsi Oliphant and the Quinnipiac University Women’s Tennis Team held a match in memory of Alysha, against the Fairfield University Stags.

Angel with attitude

On November 25, 2015, one year after Alysha’s passing, the Oliphant family established Angel with Attitude.