Alyson Hayes was born on June 16, 1975 to Stuart and Diane Hayes in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Moon Area High School, she excelled at many things while becoming a championship swimmer. She received a Bachelor's degree from Robert Morris University majoring in Communications with a focus in Media Management. During her college years, she worked as an intern for the Association of Directory Marketing and MARC USA, eventually landing a full time job as a Media Buyer.

After a brief time working at MARC USA, Alyson felt a call to ministry and accepted an offer at Cornerstone Television Network (CTVN) in Pittsburgh, PA where she worked in the areas of marketing, public relations, and even produced and created her own TV program. During this season, she was heavily involved in the National Religious Broadcasters Association and instrumental in starting Women in Christian Media. It was while attending an NRB conference that she met her future husband, Jon Swearingen, and she eventually moved to Houston, Texas to be a part of Lakewood Church.

During her time at Lakewood, Alyson was a featured speaker at women's ministry events and participated in Dodie Osteen's monthly prayer services at the Houston Medical Center. She provided assistance with several Lakewood media projects, as well as traveled nationally as a volunteer for the widely acclaimed Night of Hope events.

In 2015, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She used her marketing and research skills to explore alternative treatments and made a valiant attempt to eradicate the disease. However, in 2018, the cancer metastasized to many parts of her body, including her spine. As a result, Alyson lost her ability to walk. Her prognosis left little hope beyond life in a wheelchair, however the fighter in Alyson believed that one day, despite the conclusions of medical science, she would walk again.

Her rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston prepared her for life as a paraplegic, and while months passed with no significant progress, she never lost faith that walking was in her future. One particular day, the therapist observed movement in her legs. From that day forward, Alyson's therapy changed from learning to live with her disability, to strengthening her body to walk again. Approximately one year later, she graduated from therapy, walking normally without the need of an assisted device.

But unfortunately, the cancer was relentless. After a six year battle, Alyson finally went to her heavenly reward on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. During the course of her life, both before and after the cancer prognosis, Alyson was an inspiration and touched the lives of nearly everyone who knew her.

*In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TIRR Memorial Hermann, 1333 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030