It is hard not to cry just thinking of my friend. Ronda had breast cancer about 10 years ago. She fought hard and went into remission. A couple of years ago, she developed a cough. Somehow, I knew. At first, they thought she had lung cancer, but it turned out to be a reoccurance of her breast cancer that had spread to her lungs and other areas (liver, bones, etc.). There really isn't a standard treatment for a second occurance. She is on experimental treatments at the Mayo Clinic. About a year ago, the drugs caused a weakening of her stomach wall and she had extensive surgery. I thought we were going to lose her then. Several times I thought she was going to die. But she has such a strong spirit. So many friends in our church are praying for her. She helps out with so many of our church activities, continuing to serve others. Her only child is severely autistic, but in the face of all this, she never complains or blames. She has been on chemo for over two years now. The doctors at Mayo call her their miracle patient. I would have to agree. I never thought she could live this long. I hope you will honor her as she can be an inspiration for anyone facing cancer--for the first or 2nd time. I can give you the names of other friends who can testify how she has inspired us. Thank you for this opportunity to honor her.

Signed,
Jo ann Crooks