A deeply personal journey of grief evolved into

a commitment to create something meaningful

In Her Shoes Foundation was born from the lives of two extraordinary souls: my grandson Noah and my daughter Nikki. Their journeys forever changed our family and inspired a mission dedicated to hope, healing, awareness, and compassionate support.

Noah’s story

Noah entered this world facing challenges that no child should have to endure. Throughout his life, he experienced countless hospitalizations, procedures, and medical obstacles. Yet through every challenge, he taught us what courage truly looks like.

He faced each day with determination, resilience, and a smile that touched everyone around him. Noah reminded us that strength is not measured by age, but by spirit.

When Noah passed away in December 2018 at the age of eleven, he left behind a legacy of perseverance, love, and hope. Today, his memory lives on through our children’s programs, hospital outreach initiatives, CareBoxes, and the message that every child should know:

You Are Stronger Than You Think.

Nikki’s story

In 2020, my daughter Nikki and I received the same life-altering diagnosis: cancer.

As a young mother, Nikki faced breast cancer with extraordinary grace, courage, and faith. Through surgeries, treatments, uncertainty, and fear, she continued to inspire everyone around her with her strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her family.

Her journey highlighted the importance of awareness, early detection, genetic testing, patient advocacy, and emotional support. She taught us that healing is not only physical—it is also emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.

She also carried the loss of her beloved son Noah with remarkable grace and dignity, teaching all who knew her that even in the face of profound sorrow, love can endure, hope can remain, and purpose can emerge.

When Nikki passed away in November 2023, she left behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, faith, and purpose—a legacy that continues to inspire the mission of In Her Shoes Foundation every day. Yes, Faith, which defined so much of her life and continues to shape the Foundation’s mission.

Supporting Cancer Patients, Caregivers, and Families Through Hope, Healing, and Community

Alicia van der dijs - the legacy continue

Their legacy lives on

The Foundation, our CareBoxes, our children’s programs, The Notebook, You Are Stronger Than You Think, and our commitment to supporting patients and caregivers are all rooted in the lives of Noah and Nikki. Their journeys taught us that while illness may change a life, love continues to endure. Through In Her Shoes Foundation, we honor their memories by walking alongside others facing cancer, illness, grief, and healing.

Because no one should have to walk this journey alone.

December 2018

Noah passes away after a lifetime of medical challenges

2020

Alicia and Nikki are both diagnosed with cancer.

November 2023

Nikki passes away after her courageous battle with breast cancer

2026

Where Hummingbirds and Butterfles Reside-published
The Notebook: A Journey Into Healing is published.
You Are Stronger than You Think- published
The I.H.S. Foundation is launched
In Her Shoes Foundation is launched

Meet The Beautiful Souls Of In Her Shoes Foundation

Everyone invited to serve on the Foundation and Honorary Board was chosen with great care. Each
person holds a meaningful connection to the origins, mission, and legacy of this foundation and reflects
the values upon which it was created