Alana Clarissa McClinton was born in East Meadow, New York on June 27, 1990. She lived in Uniondale, New York her entire life with her single mother, Joyce L. Nolan. At one month old, Alana was diagnosed with full blown Sickle Cell Anemia. Alana never allowed this extremely debilitating disease to interfere with her goals. Alana carried this disease during her lifetime with diginity and strength. One would often hear her say "I have Sickle Cell but Sickle Cell does not have me." She was frequently referred to as a "Warrior."

Alana began her education in private school and entered the Uniondale Public School District in 7th Grade, graduating High School in 2008. Alana earned three (3) Degrees by the age of 22: Associate Degree Magnum Cum Laude from Nassau Community College 2010 major - Liberal Arts. In addition, she was awarded membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Omicron Sigma Chapter from Nassau Community College. Alana than transferred with ample scholarship funds to Adelphi University where she received her Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude 2012 major - English Literature and Master of Arts Summa Cum Laude 2013 major - Adolescence Education. 

After graduating college, Alana worked for a short time as a receptionist/office manager for her Chiropractor who had offices in Baldwin. He shared her organizational skills with many of his colleagues. She also advocated for children and young adults living with Sickle Cell Disease. At some point, her stamina worsened and she resigned from working. An opportunity arose in 2015, with the probability of a cure for her to live a life of quality, she volunteered to participate in a clinical trial for a Stem Cell Transplant in Westchester County . Alana knew this was potentially dangerous, but felt the possibility of success was worth the risk. She repeatedly reminded herself during this period, to "remember the purpose." 

She was planning to further her education after the stem cell transplant by attending a Physician's Assistant 18-month program offered at Duke University with the intention of combining her English Literature, Education degrees, and love of Creative Writing to work with chronically ill adolescents. 
Alana succumbed, from stem cell transplant complications, on January 25, 2018 at 8:28 pm in Westchester County Hospital surrounded by a multitude of family and friends.