ALI HELD HERMAN WAS KNOWN for her infectious smile, her wicked sense of humor, and the immense joy she exuded every day.
Ali, the youngest of three, was an energetic child who loved animals and enjoyed participating in sports, especially volleyball, basketball, softball, and cross country. In college, Ali began working in the home healthcare field, which was not surprising to her parents, Loren and Cyndi Held, because they said she had an incredibly compassionate heart.
Her heart grew even more when she fell in love with Jeremy Herman. Against all odds—including Jeremy “brainwashing Ali into being a Michigan fan” and proposing with a Ring Pop—Ali and Jeremy got married in 2007. Their son, Casen, was born in 2011; their daughter, Amelia, was born in 2014; and their son, Cole, was born in 2017. Ali enjoyed being home with her children and providing daycare services for others. Ali ensured her home was full of activities ranging from board games to dance parties, and she instilled the importance of respect and love.
Ali’s impact was felt by the parents who entrusted their children to her care. One such mother wrote this about Ali: “She was one of a kind, beautiful on the inside and out, and a person I counted on and trusted every day with the most important part of my life. She was my kids’ bonus mom. Her smile, strength, patience, and love will live forever in the countless lives she has touched.”
As a mom, Ali was “off the charts,” Loren said. “She was so nurturing, and it was important to her that the kids always had a role model. She taught respect, and it’s pretty cool to see the kids now and how they treat others,” he said.
Jeremy was constantly amazed at Ali’s status as super mom. “She was the mom that everyone would have wanted. She did everything for the kids, and she was such a good, loving mom,” Jeremy said.
Ali’s generosity extended beyond the children she cared for, and she was a force in the community. Whether she was helping organize a benefit for a neighbor with cancer, anonymously covering field trip fees for those who could not afford it, or ensuring she had plenty of snacks and drinks to offer delivery drivers, Ali always went out of her way to show kindness.
When she was not serving others, Ali took a little time to enjoy herself. She loved being outdoors, especially running, riding her bike, and catching some rays by the pool, and she frequented Stoney Ridge Winery, country concerts, and sporting events.
But those good times came to a halt the evening of March 25, 2021. Jeremy remembers “everything down to the second,” especially the loud crack of thunder at 11:15 p.m. that prompted Ali to say, “I need to go to the hospital.”
Ali was rushed to the hospital, and her family was given devastating news. The aneurism had done too much damage, and 35-year-old Ali passed away on March 26, 2021. But her generosity lived on through her decision to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
“Knowing that Ali was going to be able to do that, I felt the storm subside. There were no more crashing waves. I just felt so much calm and peace, and I was a proud mother. What a gift!” Cyndi said.
The Honor Walk is something Ali’s family will never forget. “I will always remember the Honor Walk. During it, I could literally feel the pressure lifting off me,” Jeremy said.
Two years later, Ali’s family had the opportunity to truly understand the power of organ donation when they met Beth Winhusen, Ali’s grateful heart recipient. “It was an emotional and gratifying moment for all,” Loren said. “Beth is a very compassionate, kind, and caring individual. She is a part of our family forever. We are blessed that God gave us Ali and Beth, and it’s inspiring to know that someone like Beth has Ali’s heart.”
Cyndi smiles when she thinks about that emotional reunion of sorts. “Meeting Beth was very healing and rewarding. Just to see her walk in and to hear her voice was amazing. It was good for the kids, and I think they really understood it when they listened to their mom’s heart beating in Beth. I think it was God relating that this is where Ali’s still living,” Cyndi said.
Ali’s family continues to keep her memory alive. They established the Ali Held Herman Memorial Scholarship through the Bryan Area Foundation, and they organize the Ali Held Herman Memorial Run/Walk every July in honor of Ali’s last run. In addition to the memorial run, Ali’s family participates in the Hero Hustle 5K, hosted by Life Connection of Ohio and Solvita.
They also make frequent trips to the cemetery to be with Ali, especially on her birthday, Mother’s Day, and the anniversary of her death.
Ali and Jeremy’s children were 9, 6, and 3 when their mom passed away. But Ali’s gift of life means Casen, Amelia, and Cole get to grow up knowing that their mom is a true hero.
Ali’s family is proud that even in death, her generosity continues to touch so many people. “It’s a journey of grace,” Cyndi said. “We’ve been able to share Ali’s story, and organ donation is one of the reasons that we’re still standing.”
Ali’s family volunteers for Life Connection of Ohio, the non-profit organization that serves families and saves lives through organ donation. To learn more about organ donation or to say “yes” to saving lives, visit lifeconnection.org. Kara Steele is Director of Community Services for Life Connection of Ohio.
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