A former kindergarten teacher is turning her family’s journey into a message of perseverance, empathy and kindness for children in classrooms across the country.
Alyssa Herrera, who previously taught kindergarten at Fremont Elementary in Carson City and now resides with her family in Reno, never imagined the lessons she loved teaching would one day grow from the story of her own children. But when her twins, Mack and Mila, were born with a very rare neuromuscular disorder, Herrera stepped away from the classroom to care for them full-time.
Many in the Carson City community may remember Mack and Mila from when they were first born, when friends, colleagues, and neighbors rallied around the family through a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $40,000 to help support their care. The outpouring of support was a powerful reminder of how deeply this community cares for one another.
Over the past two years, Mack and Mila have faced challenges with remarkable strength, determination, and joy. Their progress often comes in small but meaningful steps through therapy, perseverance, and the unwavering support of their family.
Those moments inspired Herrera to write a children’s book titled One Inch at a Time, a story designed to help young readers understand perseverance, empathy, and the importance of celebrating progress in others.
But the book was only the beginning.
Herrera also created Inch by Inch, a business and growing mission inspired by the journey of Mack and Mila. What started as late-night words on a screen became a way for Herrera to process the fear, grief, and small glimmers of hope that came with her twins’ diagnosis.
As their world expanded to include therapy intensives, hospital stays, and countless medical appointments, Inch by Inch grew into more than a personal story. It became a way to remind other families that they are not alone in the waiting and the wondering that often comes with caring for a medically complex child.
Through the Inch by Inch business, Herrera hopes to raise awareness, build community, and help more children access the therapies and resources they need. Initiatives like limited releases, such as Crews for Inches and other future projects, aim to support families navigating similar journeys while reminding them that every bit of progress matters.
Now Herrera and her supporters are launching a new campaign called “100 Classrooms. One Inch at a Time.”
The goal is to sponsor 100 classrooms by April 10, allowing books to be printed and shipped in June so they can be ready for students when the new school year begins.
Each sponsored classroom receives 25 books for $350, ensuring that every child in the classroom can have their own copy of One Inch at a Time. Teachers will also receive resources to help spark meaningful conversations about perseverance, kindness, and celebrating differences.
Anyone can sponsor a classroom. Supporters may choose to honor a teacher who made a difference in their life, sponsor a classroom at their child or grandchild’s school, support a classroom close to their heart, or help provide books for a classroom in need.
Community members who would like to support the campaign, whether by purchasing a single copy of the book or sponsoring an entire classroom, can visit: inchbyinchshop.myshopify.com.
For Herrera, the campaign is especially meaningful. Though she stepped away from teaching to care for Mack and Mila, this project feels like a way to continue the work she loved most.
“I may not be in a classroom right now,” Herrera said, “but if this story can help children learn kindness and understand that progress looks different for everyone, then Mack and Mila’s journey is still teaching.”
Supporters hope the “100 Classrooms. One Inch at a Time” campaign will place the book into classrooms across the country and remind students of a powerful lesson: courage, compassion, and perseverance often grow in small steps.
Because sometimes the most meaningful progress happens one inch at a time.
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