This story is special in so many ways. Usually, I discover the inspiring stories of my STS Brides, reach out to them, and ask if they would be willing to share their stories as part of this initiative.

But Alyssa’s story is something profound — and it was actually her best friend, Jillian, who found me first. She stumbled upon the Stronger Than Stone initiative and instantly knew Alyssa’s incredible strength and compassion deserved to be honored and shared.

Jillian’s desire to honor Alyssa in this way speaks volumes about the incredible bond they share, and it’s a testament to Alyssa’s courage and resilience.

I’ll leave it to Jillian to share Alyssa’s story in her own words…

I’m writing to nominate a beautiful friend to be a Stronger than Stone bride, her name is Alyssa Palmer. Alyssa is the kindest, most welcoming soul you’ll ever meet. She’s also sneakily witty, and insanely talented in more ways than I can count (trust me… you want her input on your next playlist and your next paint choice).

I was so fortunate to have met Alyssa our freshman year of college at Quinnipiac University, where we became fast friends, and roommates for the remainder of our time there. I always admired Alyssa’s ability to look at situations with such a level head and a sense of humor, seeming mature beyond her years. Unfortunately, part of this maturity came at the expense of devastating loss.

Alyssa tragically lost her father, Orio Palmer, on September 11th, 2001 in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Widely considered one of the strongest and most intelligent men of the FDNY, I’d be lying if I said I felt well-enough equipped to even begin to describe Orio Palmer. On that eleventh day of September, Orio Palmer climbed 37 flights of stairs with approximately 50 pounds of gear. He made it to the South Tower sky lobby on the 78th floor, and he is one of the few reported first responders able to make it that far up. Lots of news organizations have covered his heroic actions, and you can learn more about Orio and his heroic sacrifice here.

How does one even begin to navigate this loss in the 4th grade?

Alyssa, always very close with her mother, became even closer to her during this never-ending time of healing and establishing new “normals”. Debbie Palmer was infectiously radiant. She was truly the best kind of human being; you were never not smiling in her presence. Lovingly called “Mama Deb,” she was happy and healthy until late March 2021. Debbie rapidly developed some unexplained symptoms, and very quickly passed away from complications of undiagnosed cancer.

This all happened in a matter of days; needless to say, it was brutally unexpected and earth shattering for their family. Debbie was kind, generous and warm – the kind of person you crave to be around.

Alyssa’s older sister Dana remarks: “Alyssa’s strength is rooted deep within, because from a very young age she never wanted to burden anyone else with her pain. She gets that from our mom.”

Alyssa married the love of her life, Tony, on 10/11/2024. I am one of her bridesmaids and biggest cheerleaders; when reading about your beautiful business, I truly could not think of a more deserving bride and human than Alyssa. She has already persevered through heartache that no one should see in an entire lifetime. I can’t wait to watch her and Tony build a stunning life together from the ground up.

I love you Lyss.

Always rooting for you. Xo Jillian