Don’t Need Easy, Just Need Possible: Celebrating the Life of Allison Dickson

Allison Dickson lived her life by the motto, “Don’t need easy. Just need possible.”

Photo courtesy of Patterson Law Group

The Patterson Law Group is mourning the death of Allision Dickson on October 18, 2023. Her story is the stuff of legends. Diagnosed with Werdnig-Hoffman Muscular Dystrophy when she was 15 months old, she was given only a year to live. Not only did she defy the odds and survive, but she thrived.

Not one to let physical limitations hold her back, she excelled academically and graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Southwestern University. From there, she went on to Baylor Law School, where she graduated first in her class, was a member of the Baylor Law Review, and was recognized as the Baylor Young Lawyer of the Year in 2017. In fact, Baylor Law honored Allison in 2023 with the W.R. White Meritorious Service Award which recognizes outstanding service and continued loyalty to the University. She was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna for her service to Southwestern University as well as a Distinguished Alumna of Temple Independent School District.

For the last few years, Allison has been “of counsel” at Patterson Law group. The firm enjoyed every second of having her on their team. She was so brilliant, so funny, and so strong. Travis Patterson said Allison was “the strongest person I’ll ever know.”

Allison was happiest helping others. Most recently, held her Annual Holiday Toy Drive raising tens of thousands each year for McClain Children’s Hospital to bring a little holiday magic to the halls of the hospital. To further support the institution, Allison launched a fundraiser for a beautiful mural to help inspire and comfort the young patients, parents and loved ones seeking care at the hospital.

Photo courtesy of Patterson Law Group

Allison was an inspiration to many, but especially differently-abled children who looked to her as an example of how far they could go if they didn’t let anyone limit them. She was recently quoted on this topic by Katie Couric and how Barbie gave her and those children much needed representation with their dynamic doll who used a wheelchair.

In addition to being an Of Counsel member of the Patterson Law Group team, Allison continued to serve her beloved Baylor Law School in a legal research role she held since getting her law degree.

The Patterson Law Group is honored to continue on with the calling to spread her “don’t need easy, just possible” philosophy throughout our PLG community. Find more about Allison’s causes, fundraisers, and philanthropy efforts at JustNeedPossible.com.

In a recent email, Patterson said, “It’s now our job to take the baton from Allison and continue these wonderful works that she started. If you would like to be kept apprised of our efforts to do so and how you can help, please subscribe to this mailing list for periodic updates specific to Allison’s works.”