Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Simpson.
Hi Allyson , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I currently play professional hockey for the NY Sirens in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). 10 years ago my dad, James, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which has impact him and my family in numerous ways since. This season, and moving forward, I want to use my platform to highlight Parkinson’s awareness and research. For this reason I have partnered with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s awareness and research and I have agreed to donate $20 for every point I contribute, ever shot I block, and for ever NY Sirens win.
All proceeds will go directly to the Michael J. Fox foundation. I have a number of folks who have already agreed to match my pledges and have raised close to $10,000. The goal is to continue to grow this initiative and obtain corporate partners who will also agree to match my pledges as well as raise awareness of the disease and all that comes with it.
My dad has always been my biggest supporter. He’s the reason I fell in love with hockey, the reason I kept pushing through every challenge to get here. Since his diagnosis, he’s adopted a phrase that’s become our family mantra: Shake On — a reminder to keep moving forward, no matter what.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In launching Shake On, there were initial fears of not having interest, or of not having the right platform. Those fears soon disappeared as I began to receive so much support from my community and the fans. It has been amazing the number of people who have resonated with my family’s story. I am still working to enhance my initiative to include corporate donors, so that my fundraising can have that much more of an impact.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional hockey player for the NY Sirens in the Professional Women’s Hockey league (PWHL).
I am most proud to represent the state of Texas as a female professional hockey player. I am one of only 2 Texans in the PWHL. I am proud of where I came from and am proud that I get to showcase that although I am not from a “traditional” hockey market, I can represent women’s hockey on the biggest stage.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Women’s sports are growing faster than ever, the PWHL included. The league currently has 8 teams with plans to expand again next year. My team, the NY Sirens, recently played in Washington, DC in a game against the Montreal Victoire and broke the attendance record for the biggest crown in US women’s hockey history. The game is growing thanks to the PWHL and continues to set new records and standards for women’s professional hockey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shakeon.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.simpy and https://www.instagram.com/shakeonsimpson
