Allison was born on September 30, 1974 in Denison, TX to her parents, Jim and Rita Sandlin. She married Eric Feldman in 1995 and then graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in English in 1998. The Feldmans stayed in the Arlington-Mansfield area where Allison worked as a high-school English teacher at Arlington High until 2001. She then devoted herself to becoming a stay-at-home-Mom for both her children, including time as a Cub Scout leader and High School band booster. Since her lung transplants in 2008 and 2016, she advocated for organ donation and encouraged people everywhere to register as donors. Half of her married life was the Gift of her donors and she was always thankful for the extra time.
A friend wrote at her death:
“It would not be uncommon to start with the phrase, ‘...lost her battle with…’ but the thing is she didn't.
She didn't lose. Handed an early death sentence at birth she chose to live, love, and light the world around her. In 2008 she beat death with the help of a Donor and spent the last 12 years running up the score.
Against odds, she survived a lung transplant, and then a second, and carried the gifts of those cherished Donors with honor and reverence.
Against fear she loved a man, bore a family, and lived every moment for its own sake.
Against time she saw her offspring grow into kind, brave adulthood and her family thrive through a thousand storms.
I know she was funny because Eric could not help but share the things that amused her.
I know she was kind because the hearts she held in her hands have flourished with kindness.
I know she was fierce because the love she inspired around her is fierce.
She lit the world. She carried the torches of others to share their light far beyond the time they were given. She warmed hearts and started fires in everyone she touched.
The wretched darkness of her passing cannot dim that light she made. She did not lose her battle. She beat back death for a dozen years with such heart and determination that those in her wake cannot do less.“
Allison is survived by her husband, Eric; her sons Jared and Connor; her father Jim Sandlin of Comanche, TX; her mother Rita Sandlin of Arlington, TX; and a small menagerie of pets.
Allison will be buried in a private ceremony. A memorial celebration of her life will take place in the Fall of 2021 once the coronavirus pandemic has passed. In lieu of flowers, please feel welcome to donate to the Southwest Transplant Alliance Foundation or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Allison’s memory.
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