Her charm and wit were infectious as I’m sure you all know. I am so lucky and glad to have known her. She made me a better person. She taught me how to love and be loved. She pushed my limits in all the right ways and set the bar high by her example. I am forever grateful for her having chosen me to share her precious life. I could not have designed a better partner in life and love for me than Rebecca Jane Moore. (Rebecca’s Husband, Clark)

Although we shared the same middle name and the same DNA, it took 11 years for us to meet. Donna was the elusive second cousin I referred to in doctors’ appointments when discussing the mutated gene dotting my family tree. The one my Grandmother told me about over cups of steaming tea on Sunday mornings. The one I thought of with every trip into the depths of the MRI machine. When I was diagnosed in 2009, Donna emailed me and offered support. In the course of a 30-minute phone call on the night before my first round of chemotherapy, she crossed the divide from stranger to friend.

The hand she reached out during my darkest hours did more for me than she will ever know. Donna would be the first to say that those calls to me were no big deal. But, it is the “little things” that transform lives. It was only because she showed up for me that I am able to show up for the people of our tribe. I will miss her forever and carry her with me always. ~ (Donna’s Cousin – Terri). To read more about Donna’s legacy – click here. 

Five words to describe Kahron:  Strong, Determined, Caring, Loving, Grace.

One of my favorite things about Kahron is her outlook on everything. She doesn’t hide her emotions, her pain or her joy. Her personality shines, no matter what struggle or hurdle she has endured. Kahron brought me back from a dark place and showed me that joy can happen again, and people can be infinitely wonderful.  (Kahron’s friend and fellow Peru traveler, Hannah)

Sarah Noll was known for baking cakes, wearing socks that didn’t match and taking pictures every year with Santa. She was highly creative, making handmade gifts–quilts, pillows, soap, calendars–that were works of art. One year, she wrote a cookbook to give her friends and family for Christmas. She filled it with her favorite recipes, as well as some craft projects, and included the unusual things her family did, like putting cottage cheese in spaghetti. My favorite quote from her book was, “Baking is like real magic, you put something weird in the oven; you wait a little bit and out comes something completely different and yummy.” Being Sarah’s friend was pretty magical, full of adventure and surprises. Sarah was a wonderful matchmaker. After she set me up with her brother, she became my sister-in-law. She also introduced me to people she thought would make good friends. Sarah encouraged me how to see the sunny side of life and to try new things, lessons I hold onto dearly. (Sarah’s Sister-in-Law, Tanessa)

Five words to describe Ken:  Creative, Passionate, Adaptive, Handsome, Teacher.

One of my favorite things about him was: His silky, smoldering voice. I am making this tribute because though he died, he is ever-present in my life and in the lives of those he touched. His mentorship still guides me through challenging situations in my life. I still hear that soothing voice in my head when I need it. I want others to not only get a glimpse of this kind of eternal connection but also understand it applies to them and those they love as well.  (Ken’s Husband, Ron)

Rachel epitomizes strength and kindness. She has battled cancer since February 2016. I had the pleasure of spending a week with her, volunteering in Costa Rica. There, I was immediately taken by her beautiful heart and warm hand of friendship. She is amazingly kind and has the strength to always share her true feelings. Despite cancer’s indignities, Rachel remains full of love and is happy to share the darkest side of the disease. Rachel has warmth, kindness, humor and is very honest about who she is and her feelings. I love this about Rachel. She inspires me to look at my life and really think about was is important. She has humbled me. (Rachel’s friend and fellow Costa Rica traveler, Karamjit)

My mother was not only beautiful but also fiercely independent, stubborn and witty. In the midst of being sick, trying various treatments and going to appointments, she never hesitated to help others with cancer. She touched so many lives of those struggling with illness and brought them a sense of hope. Up until the very end, she was concerned about everyone else’s wellbeing. That was who my mom was–selfless. My mother and her cancer journey forever changed my life. I am grateful for all the things she taught me. She taught me to be strong and take the road less traveled. I admired her determination and strong will toward alternative treatments, even in the face of defeat and fear of failure. Her ability to persevere through the painful and dark moments with cancer amazed me. No matter what was thrown her way, she hoped for the best and remained positive. Cancer brought new experiences into my mother’s life, which included A Fresh Chapter. Her trip to India in 2013 changed her life and brought many meaningful friendships into her life. I saw how it gave her a renewed sense of self and hope. Those who knew her well will miss her smile, laugh and sarcastic humor.  (Joanne’s daughter, Lindsey)