Girls like me...

Girls like me have raised presidents. We've raised messiahs and musicians, writers and settlers. Girls like me won't compromise, and we won't fail. -Alli Crews, August 26, 1982 - June 11, 2005

I was saddened to hear of the recent death of a true “It” girl. Allison Crew was freelance writer and Web editor behind www.girlmom.com. She was born in California and became pregnant during her sophomore year in high school. After considering abortion and adoption, she decided to keep the child. At 15, Crews had a baby boy she named Cade. However, the condemnation she received for this decision inspired her to become and activist for young mothers.

For nearly five years, Crews worked as the editor of www.girlmom.com, a website dedicated to empowering, educating, and supporting, “young mamas.” She encouraged these women to meet on-line and in person, and to share the trials and joys of parenting. The website also offers suggestions on the best ways for teenagers to tell their parents if they are pregnant, tips on applying for government aid and basic information on the benefits of breastfeeding.

Allison was named one of the Top 30 Under 30 Activists in 2003 and helped to launch the National Day to Support Teen Parents (Oct. 11) She is survived by her son and her partner.

Allison’s short life is an indication of how powerful young women are and how much good they can create in the world. Thank you, Alli. - Whitney