On Saturday -- 15 months after Ali disappeared -- the search for her was renewed.
Nearly 200 volunteers showed up to comb a five-mile radius of woods and ponds to see if they could find any sign of the missing teen.
With each branch and brush turned back, Ali's parents are still hoping their daughter will come home safely and their nightmare will end.
Ali's mother, Jo Ann Lowitzer, was overwhelmed by the community's support.
"I'm amazed, sorry. It's wonderful," she said.
Ali was last seen getting off the school bus three doors down from her home. Her parents say she left her clothes and other belongings behind, including her cell phone charger.
Lowitzer says last the few months have been torture for her family.
"These 15 months have been hell," she said, choking back tears. "From that very first day that she went missing, I can't say that it's gotten better. We've had to celebrate a whole year of holidays without her, [and] her 17th birthday."
Saturday's search was led by the Laura Recovery Center through areas that are now dried out by the recent drought.
As the search continues, her parents have set up a fund. They are also selling T-shirts and calendars with their missing daughter's artwork to help increase the missing persons reward. It is now at $20,000.
Please call the police or the Laura Recovery Center at 281-482-5723 if you have any information.
