 |
|
||||||
|
|
Memorials | ||||||
|
AMF Memorial page registration form If you would like to make a donation in conjunction with your memorial, pease visit our Donation Page. To those valiant fighters, Stewart J. Liggett DOB: 6/1/1935 DOD: 7/28/2009 23 years ago a melanoma was removed from his back. Last August, 2008, following a gallbladder attack, and subsequent removal of the gallbladder, metastatic melanoma was found in the gallbladder, lung, spleen, adrenal gland and brain. He underwent a year of chemo and 2 stereotactic brain surgeries but nothing stopped the disease. Message: My husband fought this disease the same way he lived his life with a strong will and a fiery attitude. He is missed by his wife and family...and his two JR's, Roxy and Buster. Jeffery George Hepplewhite DOB: 09/30/1945 DOD: 07/11/2009 Relationship: NUMBER ONE UNCLE My uncle had many master degrees as a horticulturest. He not only was book smart, he was everything smart.He was so cultured in art, music and the threater. He always knew any questions I asked.His true love was being outside working with all types of plants and flowers. He lived and breathed flowers and plants. He also was one of the best floral designers in the area. He was the hardest working man I have ever known. He worked with many florists, green houses and lastly he worked on an estate. His other love was animals. He had and showed such affection for his beloved pets.He treated them like a family member.And most of all, he was in touch to his relgion. He was a true baptist and always put his God and church first.And his faith had him at peace. Message: My Uncle Jeff was and will always be the BEST uncle anyone could ask for. We understood each other and was always there for each other.He never judged anyone and always got to know you for you. He didnt have a mean bone in his body. To know him was to love him.He touched everyone he knew and he met. He always made a lasting impression. He was taken too early from us but then again if he knew God needed a angel, then he would go with no hesitations. Thats how unselfish my uncle was. I love you unle jeff. You were and always will be my best friend. You wil never be forgotten but rather remembered in all the hearts you touched. love you more, love always and forever, your niece, Gina Noelle Guiliano Brian Hogan Today I buried my husband of 3.5 years after a 2 month battle with Stage IV melanoma. Even though Brian's battle was short, he couldn't overcome the tumors in his vertebrae, brain. liver and lungs. There were few signs that he was sick. He thought he had a pinched nerve in his back. This is a terrible disease that must be stopped. No one deserves to live an energetic and healthy life one day and the next to have the idea of mortality knocking on your doorstep. We did 3 weeks of brain radiation. 3 rounds of chemo and never got to try any of the clinical trials available to us because it overcame him so quickly. Message: Brian, I will love and miss you forever David Cohen Bio: My father was a wonderful, fun loving, and generous man. He loved the sun, but the sun ultimately betrayed him. He was diagnosed with Stage 1 melanoma in October 2002. He was under the "regular care" of a dermatologist who after 18 months, limited office visits to an external exam. Unfortunately, trouble was brewing inside and went completely undiagnosed. On May 27, 2008, our father was rushed to the ER with abdominal pain. The diagnosis was horrific: late stage metastatic melanoma. For four weeks, we saw our dad's condition deteriorate. After one week of a worthless biochemotherapy treatment, we brought our dad home with hospice. He passed away while his family held his hand, and a relative read his beloved Psalms. Message: Nothing will bring our father back. The lesson in all of this is that people need to understand what a scourge melanoma is. Do not trust doctors when they tell you that "everything is fine". A simple blood test for ldh levels (liver function test) may have allowed my father to have his disease caught earlier and to live a few more months. Melanoma recurs like all cancers, but in many respects is far more aggressive than most. Dad, we love you forever, and ever. Gary Wolfe My Dad was a very hard worker. He spent most of his life in the sun making a living as a superintedant for a construction company. He worked hard so we could enjoy life and have nice things. He loved his family, grandkids, and friends. He was very brave. On his death bed all he talked about was the Love of Christ and in the midst of terrible pain, he had peace in his heart. Message: "Christ Love Daddy",until we meet again. Joda Lea Spaulding Dillow My sister and her husband of two years were expecting their first baby. Her OB/GYN, family physician and dermatologist all looked at the suspicious mole but were not concerned. The mole continue to grow and change in shape and size. Joda finally insisted that the mole be removed. The diagnosis: Stage III melanoma. A beautiful baby girl was delivered one month early so my sister's fight for her life could begin. But the cancer was also in her liver: Stage IV. Nine months of treatment provided no progress towards killing the cancer. My sister died at M.D. Anderson on June 27, 2006 leaving behind a nine-month old baby girl, a five-year old step-son, a husband and a huge family who love and miss her dearly. Message: The hole in our hearts remains, but a peace endures knowing that Joda is in heaven. Theodore Pryor Ted went to Brandies Univerity and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He went on to become a very high level computer programmer and lived outside of Denver. He was a champion bowler with many 300 games on record. He was a sportsman, a rock climber and an excellent overall athlete. He loved philosophy and astronomy. By the time his melanoma was discoverd he was already in stage four. We did everything we could. We lost him 10 months later. He is sorely missed. We pray for him every day. He asked that his ashes be scattered in a fjiord in Norway. We are going there in a few weeks to carry that out. We wish all of you the very best. BOBBY LEE HARGROVE BOB WAS ALWAYS SMILING AND DIDN'T HAVE A MEAN BONE IN HIS BODY. HE LOVED HIS FAMILY AND HIS ANIMALS. HE ENJOYED RIDING HIS MOTORCYCLE AND GOING FISHING. HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL BROTHER, AND I MISS HIM SO MUCH. HE WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM US WAY TOO SOON. Message: YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHEN A LOVED ONE IS GOING TO BE TAKEN, AND THERE IS NO WAY TO PREPARE YOURSELF. BOB'S CANCER SPREAD SO FAST, AND IT WAS TOO LATE TO DO MUCH FOR HIM. HE WAS OPTIMISTIC UNTIL THE END, AND PUT UP A BRAVE FIGHT. I THINK OF HIM DAILY, AND AM JUST GLAD THAT HE IS PAIN FREE, HAPPY & HEALTHY WITH OUR GOD IN HEAVEN. Eamon G. McCarthy
Amber Lynn Murphy My name is Evelyn Murphy and I reside in Garden Grove Calif. I am the mother to three wonderfull children. Amber, Michelle and Ryan and here is my story. Amber Lynn Murphy was born December 9, 1982 and was the eldest of the three children. Amber lived on her own, worked full time as a server and attended Golden West College. Amber had a remarkable and everlasting smile. After reading an article in a magazine about the A.B.C's of melanoma, she decided to have a mole looked at. In July 2004 she was diagnosed with a atypical melanoma. August 3, 2004 she had a sentinal node biopsy and all the lymph nodes in right armpit were removed. We were told that the melanoma was confined to the mole and that she was ok. The dermatologist advised that she would need to have the other moles checked on a regular basis. Every three months the first year, then every six months the second year followed by once a year thereafter. Amber went in for regular check ups with her primary physician and any referrals she had to the dermatologist was at her request. As she would see the dermatologist she would tell them what moles were suspicious and insist on removal of some. This is the only follow up she received and it was always at her request. February 2006 Amber starting getting sick. Early February she passed out at work and I was called to pick her up. She had been to the doctor earlier that week and was told she had an inner ear infection. She was given an antibiotic. As I was driving her home from work I contacted the doctor office. I spoke with the doctor and he told me it was a viral infection and she needed bed rest. He took her off work the rest of the week. We never questioned it due the fact Amber had recently ended a two year relationship with a live in boyfriend and started a new job. I assumed that she was just overtired and needed the rest. Amber never really got better. She gradually started having pain in her knee that then moved to the hip and continued down the entire leg. In April, she began getting some bumps and bruising on the skin, which we later found out the proper term was "subcutaneous nodules". She again went to the doctor and was told they were cysts and could be popped. The doctor even said "let me show you" of which Amber refused. By June the pain was unbearable and Amber had been dropping weight and having dizzy spells and vommitting. Amber sought care at a chiropractor during the summer and was advised she had scoliosis. She became worse and was dropping weight quickly. In mid August she went to the ER and was told he had sciatica and given muscle relaxants. They did not work and I accompanied her to the doctor. At that time she was taken off work for one week. She was referred to the dermatologist for the skin lesions and to an ortho for the back pain. She met with the dermatologist who took a sample of the lesion for biopsy. The dermatologist referred Amber to an Oncologist for evaluation. She met with the orthopeadic doctor and was told possible slipped disc. During this time Amber became progressively worse. She could not keep anything down and had white spots and severe vertigo. She went to the ER two other times and ag ain no diagnosis. Now here is where I lifed changed for the worse. On Sept 5, 2006 we had a consultation with the Oncologist. He did a thorough exam and ordered blood work and a PET scan. He was concerned with Amber's symptoms but thought that it was possibly Lupus. He asked who Amber's Oncologist was. We provided him with info on the Oncologist we were referred to in 2004. What we found out is that this Oncologist was a "surgical" oncologist and the one we were speaking to now, was a "medical" oncologist. He advised of the difference between the two. He asked what therapy or chemo did Amber undergo. We advised "none". We were now getting concerned and we did some research. What we found is that cancer can spread two ways, through the lymph nodes or through the blood stream. We found that in most cases, patients are given one round of chemotherapy to kill off any unseen cancer cells that may be in the blood. This did not happen for us. On September 11, 2006, after a very long weekend and Amber just looking worse, we called the primary doctor and told him we were taking her to the ER and we wanted her admitted of which he agreed. On the way to the ER, Amber got a call from the dermatologist advising the biopsy was positive for melanoma. Amber was admitted and had numerous MRI's and CT scans. We learned that for the past two years the melanoma had spread through the blood stream and into her lungs, liver, thoracic spine, abdominal region and pelvic bones. Amber was is bad shape and she immediately began chemotherapy. Amber underwent 3 rounds of Dartmouth regime. We learned of a melanoma clinic at UCI and went there for a second opinion. We liked the doctor very much and the fact they he specialized in melanoma. Amber went through 3 more rounds of bio-chemo with interlukine. After the results proved not to be favorable she was put on a light therapy for comfort and control of symptoms. In May 2007 Amber began bleeding in her abdomin and had a partial hysterectomy. At this point she never fully recovered. Amber fought the hardest battle of her life and never once gave up. Amber cared more about the people in her lift and the people she would leave behind. Even though Amber was so very sick, lost all her hair and dropped down to 88 lbs, she never complained. She never complained that she was dealt a bad deal at life. She awoke everyday with the same beautiful smile that she wore for 24 years. Everyone who new Amber, remembers her for her smile and what an inspiration she has been to so many people. Amber lost her battle with cancer on August 7, 2007. Amber passed away at home where she was on hospice under the care of her loving family and friends. Amber was an inspiration to all of us and will truly be missed, but never forgotton. Jeanne Martin DOB: 10/5/44 DOD: 8/22/07 My mom was first diagnosed with melanoma in February 1999. She underwent a year of Interferon and the cancer seemed to go dormant. In November 2004, my mom discovered a tumor under the skin that turned out to be melanoma. The cancer had come back. Since 2004, my mom underwent several rounds of biochemo, as well as surgery to remove the initial tumor and other tumors that developed. She also had radiation therapy and even took a pill form of chemotherapy that was experimental as it related to melanoma. My mom ended up in ICU with respiratory problems and multiple infections. Sadly, the infections were too much for her body to handle and she passed away on August 22, 2007. Message: I am devastated by the loss of my mom and will never be the same without her in my life. She was a strong woman who fought an amazing battle until the very end. Even though at times she wanted to give up, she always had hope of getting better and beating the battle that is melanoma. I feel as though people are not aware of the devastation that melanoma can cause. However, I am hoping to bring awareness to everyone I meet and inform people that by checking your skin regularly, perhaps this deadly disease can be avoided. By wearing sunscreen, seeing a dermatologist and asking your doctor about any skin irregularities, maybe we can lessen the number of people who have to suffer the kind of pain I have endured by losing the most generous, loving, wonderful woman I have ever known, my mom. Peggy Gibson Bio: My GraM Michael Keith Hill Mike went to college and became a coach/teacher. He loved his job, especially coaching. Mike was diagnosed with Melanoma in May 2006. He had several surgeries and skin grafts trying to remove the melanoma. But to no avail, it eventually spread to his liver, lungs, spleen, spine and he had numerous tumors on his skin from his legs to the top of his head. Mike kept a positive attitude and knew his chances of beating the cancer were slim, but he had hoped to prolong his life by at least a couple of years. He has a seven year old daughter Jalen and he so wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. The cancer finally got the better of him and he died of organ failure on March 29,2007 at 11:11 p.m. Message: If you suspect a mole is changing. Don't wait to have it checked. My brother Mike noticed a mole on his back was changing for months before he went and had it checked and it turned out to be too late. It is extremely important for you to have any chance of beating melanoma that it be caught early. May You Rest In Peace Michael ! Love, Your baby sister Susan
John Barnes John was a wonderful person, full of life, spirit and energy. Even when he was dignosed with cancer he never stopped smiling. John was the kind of man any woman would have been proud to marry and he will be missed greatly. He will forever be our hero. Message: Even though you had to go,
W. Sam Westbrook Born to Eugene M. and W. Earlene Westbrook, one sister, Estelle W. Missed every day (still) by his wife, 3 daughters/husbands, and 4
Jerry Glen Fromeyer Jerry was a great all around person. If some one needed help he was the If I had one more thing I could say to Jerry, it would be thank
Michael J. O'Malley Michael was diagnosised with Ocular Melanoma in August of 2005. His Michael.....my loving husband, best friend and soul mate and
Shannon John Mark Lawler Shannon was born on 29th August 2000 he was boen with a condition called melanocytic nevus.
As the same suugests it can turn to Melanoma.
A parent should not have to bury their child it isn't natural. PLEASE FIND A CURE FOR THIS HORRIBLE NASTY DISEASE!!!!!!!!!
Joseph M. Dicus Born North Little Rock, AR Message: We had six wonderful years of happiness Frank M. Wolf Jack Ashman He was a wonderful man. He served 4 years in the navy, and then married my grandmother, Mary Ann. They had 11 children together, and now he has 23 grandchildren. He loves everyone dearly. He was a longstanding member of his church, and a wonderful man to talk with and to learn from. I only wish we had more time to ask more questions. Message: No matter how heart breaking it was to watch him go, and to watch everyone of us suffer, at least we can say we had the privelge and honor of meeting such a great man. He has indeed left me in awe of the legacy he left behind. He will be forever loved and missed by everyone of us Ashmans. michael .. he was a care and loveing dad im only 12 and he died LUIGI MARROCCO LUIGI MARROCCO (BIG LOU) FATHER OF 4 HUSBAND TO ROSEANN TOTO MARROCCO UNTIS HER DEMISE. REMARRIED JUDITH ARKIN MARROCCO UNTIL HIS DEMISE. HE WAS A MASTER BUILDER, ELECTRICIAN, HUSBAND, FATHER,GRANDFATHER AND GREAT AT JUST ABOUT ANYTHING HE ATTEMPTED. THIS INCLUDES HIS COOKING PROWESS. MR. PERSONALITY AND GOOD AS ANY MAN CAN BE! Thomas Hutchings Tom was first diagnosed in 1985. One of his doctor's thought that the melanoma may have been dormate for several years. Message: We will love you forever. Cathy, Ben, Moira, Brenna, Aidan, Kate, Ryan, Julianne, Cora and Mitchell ANTHONY PAUL LEWIS Anthony was diagnosed with mestatic melanoma stage 4 when we found out and given maybe 3 months to live. 7 yrs prior a mole was removed on his back,melanoma,they said they got it all and a 3 to 5% chance it would come back,he remained healthy,athletic,top shape,and BOOM it was back,he caught a bad cold he could not shake,and coughed and his right hip broke,he did chemo,radiation,experimenting drugs in hope to live longer for a cure one day,i watched him deteriate,but he neaver gave up the battle of this beast,he passed away 4 days after his 41st birthday to be with our father in heaven.tony loved life. Message: TO everyone who is fighting this cancer,god bless you all,and to the families and friends who are there for them or was.Its been 2 yrs 5 mo.and i miss my tony,i feel cheated and robbed of my dreams with my soulmate and best friend,but i thank god he isnt suffering anymore.To continue in life is hard and empty,but my prayers are there will be a cure and everyone educated and pay attention to this,dont let it end by our lost...... JoAnn Lynn Horaney Daniel Atwood’s wife and our beautiful daughter, JoAnn Lynn Horaney, chose August 31st at twilight to leave us. Twilight was her very favorite time of day. When she and Daniel first met they would sit together at twilight and watch the fireflies. They were married at twilight this year on June 4th, surrounded by family and fireflies. It was only fitting that she should depart at twilight. A lump that appeared on her right ear in 2001 was diagnosed as melanoma in 2002. After ear resection, neck resection including sentinel lymph node and several more lymph nodes removed the "Beast" returned a year later again in her neck, more surgery and more lymph nodes were removed. Interferon was started and stopped when a new tumor showed up on her shoulder in 2003. Several treatments of radiation were done to the neck. Lymphedema started to be a problem. Self injections of GM-CSF were started in July 2004. Then on 1/19/2005 melanoma appeared in both of her lungs. A double Thorascopy surgery was done. On 9/7/2005 the melanoma metastasized to the brain. Stereotactic radiation surgery was preformed, but in her case this caused more harm than good. She developed necrosis (swelling due to dead tissue from the procedure) and a craniotomy was preformed on the frontal lobe on January 6, 2006. She had hyperbaric treatments 2 hours a day 5 days a week from February 9, 2006 to March 28, 2006, to try to heal the swelling caused by the necrosis, but the 3/17/06 MRI showed new tumor growth in same area of the brain and also! JoAnn has been cremated and has asked family to celebrate her life as we scatter her ashes in Lake Lanier and then in Lake Michigan. Message: Read, Learn, Live - wear your sunscreen, hats, protective clothing. DON'T DIE TO BE TAN - Stay away from tanning booths & beds! It's not just a little spot you have removed and live on. This is a DEADLY BEAST. Be aggressive - if you find a spot DON'T WAIT get it checked NOW and have a punch biopsy done NOT a scraping. Have them stage it and check into having the sentinel lymph node biopsied so you know if it has gotten into the lymph system or not. The depth not the size is what is important. Vicki L. Crosley Mom went to the heart doctor thinking she was having a stroke or heart attack because she experienced worsening TINGLING and NUMBNESS moving up her left ARM. MRI revealed it was due to 14 brain tumors (metastic melanoma). We also learned it had spread to her heart and lungs. Mom died 7 weeks later after many terrible seizures and finally the brain tumors ruptured. Mom was always worried about this because in 2001 she had a stage 2 melanoma removed from her arm along with a couple lymph nodes. She had follow-up for 3 years. She was FAIR SKINNED/LIGHT COMPLECTION, never really tanned in the sun. Doc told her it would come back. Message: My sister, myself, my neice and nephew all have the exact MOLE PATTERN as her on our backs. I had a displastic nevus removed from my arm 3 weeks ago, just learned those are normally HERIDITARY. It's kinda scary knowing I'll probably be in my mom's shoes in the future. I'm only 22 and losing my mom is almost unbearable. Im miss her so much!!
Rodney Jay Lovell (Rodney) worked in pharmecutical industry for over 30 years started with Stanley Drugs/Bergen-Brunswig and then Mckesson Was an avid golfer many 1st place tournament trophies and awards Steadfast,loyal,dependable and great deal of humor Message: I miss you deeply,my brother,dear; the end was so quick,we did not have any time to share. My memories of you will carry me through the coming days nights weeks and years to come
Terence Jerome Denigan Ninth of 10 children. New father of a baby girl. New husband. Friend to so many. Assistant Attorney General for the Marquis Islands. Berkely grad. Former water polo champion. Man of incredible grace and integrity. The most courageous person I have ever known. A hero. A quiet star. So missed. Terry, I will always love you. I will never get over losing you,and neither will mom and dad or anyone else in the family. Life will never be the same without you in it, and you are never more than a second away in my thoughts. I think about you all the time and so does everyone else. God bless you every moment Terry. I hope you are so happy with God now, and I can not wait to be with you some day. I wanted to trade places with you with all my heart when you were suffering and dyeing before our eyes. You had so much to live for and the world is lacking with you gone from it. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 06/24/1939-10/15/2000 Larue was diagnosed with melanoma in Dec. 1999. She had lymph nodes removed and was on interferon. However, in August 2000, it was discovered she had fluid developing around her lung. The surgeons drained the fluid only to have the cancer metastasize in other organs. She was gone 4 weeks later. She is truly missed by all who have known her: husband, children, brothers, sisters, friends and grandchildren.
Kelly Moyer Kelly, my one & only niece, was a bright and shining star in many of the lives those who knew her. She was strong, intelligent, kind, funny & so sweet. To her, life was really not "about her" but more about those fortunate people who knew her - family, friends. She had a way of looking into your eyes and seeing what you were feeling & offering support & love. She was 29 years old when she was diagnosed in Oct. 2002. She had never been a "sun bather". She had two precious little girls and fought with everything she had in her heart & soul to get well, but it was too late, and she died on Aug 12, 2003. Her family was devastated. Her mother (my sister) is raising those precious girls in the way Kelly would have wanted and is having a wonderful & loving relationship with them. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of Kelly - it was a privilege to have had her in my life for much too short a time. Karen B. Ashbrook (aunt) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Jeanne Kershaw My mom died when I was 2 years old from Melanoma. She was such a kind and beautiful woman and was taken from us within a year of her diagnosis. She passed 6 days before my second birthday. I am now 12 and was assigned a service project for religion class. I decided to cut my hair for Locks-of Love and donate money to the AMF. Total I raised $133.00 which was sent to the AMF in memory of my mom. Your were an amazing mother of 2 and taken too soon from us. We will remember, miss, and love you forever and hope that one day we will see each other again one day. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Jacquelyn Kramer, Jackie My Mom was the light that will never stop shining in everyone's life she came in contact with. She Was a WARRIOR!!!never a tear but so much pain.I miss her and hope she misses me. My one true Love. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mark, my husband and my best friend was only 42 years old when he was diagnosed with Melanoma. He was the bravest person I know. He fought so hard,always thinking of me and his kids before himself. He fought so hard to live. His fight lasted just less that 3 years. He tried everything available. Interferon , GMCSF and we were going to try the IL2 treatment but by the time that it was offered Mark was too weak to undergo treatment. They said it would kill him. They send us home after a very hard trip to Southern California with a slight hope that Thalidomide and Temador might help him. It didn't however. Mark got weaker and weaker and contracted some virus which the doctors never really figured out. During that time, the cancer spread from his lungs to his liver and then his spleen. They finally told Mark after two hospital stays where his blood counts and blood pressure were seriously low that he only had weeks to live. Love your best friend. Kim was a loving husband, and father of Jon and James. Alison Clohessy (wife) Ninth of 10 children. New father of a baby girl. New husband. Friend to so many. Assistant Attorney General for the Marquis Islands. Berkely grad. Former water polo champion. Man of incredible grace and integrity. The most courageous person I have ever known. A hero. A quiet star. So missed. Terry, I will always love you. I will never get over losing you,and neither will mom and dad or anyone else in the family. Life will never be the same without you in it, and you are never more than a second away in my thoughts. I think about you all the time and so does everyone else. God bless you every moment Terry. I hope you are so happy with God now, and I can not wait to be with you some day. I wanted to trade places with you with all my heart when you were suffering and dyeing before our eyes. You had so much to live for and the world is lacking with you gone from it. Douglas Herren 6/26/1958-2/14/2006 He died suddenly after one week in the hospital of metastatic brain tumors. Doug was soft spoken and friendly. He loved the outdoors and camping. He loved to hike, fish and 4-wheel drive. He was a loving husband and father. He will be missed by so very many whose lives were touched by his humor and passion. Sharon Herren (wife) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Robert D. Morrison We miss you our Love, and see you everywhere we go. You will live in our hearts. Jane Morrison (wife) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Louis James Mczak Carolyn (sister) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Douglas E. Kaser Ojai (o-hi), CA. across the street from my families' home. He was a second generation My husband never questioned "why me", never felt sorry for himself AND he never missed a day of work UNLESS he was in the hospital. Prior to his retirement in June of 2002, when he was taking radiation daily, getting massive doses of Interferon daily, he left work (sick-leave) got his treatments and returned to work. When he came home he collapsed, was he sick, did he ache and was he in pain???? YES-YES-YES-EVERYDAY & NIGHT!!! We need to educate the people about MELANOMA!! Too many think and say, oh that's "ONLY" skin cancer--NO BIG DEAL!!! We need awareness education and Bless all!! Lin Kaser (spouse12 days shy of 45 years) JOHN E. SPINKS, JR. On Labor day the hospice nurse told us that he had entered his final phase of life. On the 8th day he took his final breath. That was Kimberly Spinks (wife)
Kerri Ann (Patenaude) McNamara
Judy Hardy-Goddard (mother) Jill Marie Kitterman Gashler Jill was diagnosed with melanoma in December of 2001. She fought
her cancer with dignity and laughter but this ugly disease won the
battle. Jill passed away January, 2004. Claire Standard (aunt) Montserrat Casabosch de Romero La bondad de su espiritu vivra en el corazone de todos / The humbleness of her spirit will live in everyones heart forever. Miguel Romero (son) Joseph F. Nalley Penny L. Knowlton (daughter) Jill Marie Kitterman Gaschler Jill was diagnosed with Melanoma in December of 2001. She fought very hard to try and beat the cancer. My words can't begin to explain how much I miss you. I am getting ready to start the Christmas cookies, after 29 years, I will be doing them alone this year. I can't imagine you not being here for Christmas. I still can't believe you're gone. I would give anything to talk to you one more time, to hear your laugh, to hug you and just to tell you that I love you. You left a huge hole in my heart that can never be replaced. I love you Bug. Renee Ortiz (cousin) Diane Faulkner My mom was diagnosed in 1994 with a superficial melanoma that was removed. We thought and even doctors said its all clear, she did her monthly and yearly exams and labs. In January of 2003 she had a tumor removed from her bladder, which turned out to be melanoma. To our dismay it had metastasized to her lungs, spleen and brain. She went through multiple treatments and surgeries at M.D. Anderson in Houston and had the best attitude of any healthy person. She finally went home (as she would say) on August 7, 2004. I am an only child age 29 and this is the hardest thing of my life. I miss my mom everyday and she was the best mom a person could ever have. Me and my dad struggle every day but with each other’s support and the support of my wonderful husband we are gonna be ok. I want to be a voice to rid the world of this horrific disease. I want to do all I can to support the effort Kristen Leigh Patterson (daughter) Jerry Glenn Fromeyer I don't know much about his personal biography except that he worked with my father for a short time in law enforcement. He was in the Air Force, but I don't know how long. He was a truck driver for as long as I can remember though. I looked up to my uncle like a father when my dad wasn't around. He would always point me in the right direction. He was a great father to his children. I know his only daughter misses him terribly. She always talks about him. I still cry when I think about him even though he's been gone for three years. His loss made a huge impact on my life. I am currently in the U.S. Navy. I will always look up to him for his guidance, now and forever. Robert William Fromeyer, Jr. (nephew) Charles E Greer, Jr. Charles had his first occurrence of melanoma
in 10 of 1966 when he was 20years old. He had a mole the size
of a pencil eraser on
the underside of his bicep on his upper arm and also 2 tiny moles
in his armpit. They removed the mole and all tissue to the bone
and he had a large skin graft. He was followed up for over five
years without a reoccurrence but in April of 1989 he broke his
shoulder bone in the same arm and thinking it wasn't healing
properly he went back to his doctor and they found a large lump
in the same
armpit. He had surgery to remove it and also 12 nodes were removed.
We were sent to MD Anderson Hospital. At that time they were
unable to do any chemo or trial tests because the tumor had been
removed
and it was advised to have regular exams and tests to see if
it returned and our prognosis was that it would. He was scanned
and
tested regularly for the next 3 years and in November of 1991
in reappeared in his liver, spleen, and lymphatic system. He passed
away in March of 1992. He was very fair skinned, blond and green
eyed. He had a severe sunburn as a teenager, but after that always
protected himself from the sun when he was outdoors. We had 3
children
and 2 grandchildren at the time of his death. Our 20 year old
granddaughter now has had an atypical mole removed from her back
and we are waiting
the results of that at this date. She had juvenile melanoma at
the age of 15. Charles has a family history of melanoma as his
mother and grandmother both had it as young women, but his mother
is still living at this time and had no reoccurrence. Her melanoma
was on her foot. Karen K Greer Baker (spouse) Richard
Ellis He was a strong Christian,
fabulous husband, hard worker, great father and grandfather. Donna Moriarty-sister in-law Kevin
John Hickey Kevin became the best friend I had from the first time we met, 20 years ago. He was a friend to everyone, helpful and caring. When it was clear that he would win this battle, I was saddened by the fact that he had not married or had a family of his own. I realize now that we were all Kevin’s “family” and that he touched us all in a way that will live on. Kevin’s legacy is the difference he made in the lives of the people he knew. That is a life well lived and worth remembering. He was my “all time favorite friend”. Ann P. Webb (friend) Susan
Dianne Phillips, Susan was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 1983 when she had a mole removed from the back of her neck. For the next 20 years she was free of cancer. Then in August 2004, lumps in her breast were diagnosed as breast cancer. Shortly thereafter she collapsed at work and she was found to have brain mets. In October she had a seizure and the brain tumor was removed. It was at this time we found out she had metastatic melanoma, not breast cancer at all. She tried Temador and Thalidomide but it didn’t help. The cancer had spread to her adrenal glands and lungs as well. On February 15, 2004 she lost her fight with melanoma. My mom was such a special person. I miss her each and every day more than I ever thought possible. She was truly a beautiful lady who would do anything for you. She had the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. She touched so many lives; I know she’s missed by everyone she knew. I love you Mom. Until we meet again, I love you! Missy (daughter) Russell
“Lang” Willis, My Dad was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma and died 8 weeks later. My Dad was the most extraordinary, vibrant, generous, intelligent and compassionate person I ever knew. The expanse of my grief is limitless but I take solace in my fond memories and share them with my sons, the grandchildren he never met. I also try to live by the words my Dad borrowed from
Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata”: Cynthia Willis Caruso (daughter) Serge
Lombard, The San Diego doctors did screw up! Serge was a member of a truly close family and well loved by all who knew him. His memorial service at the International Center at UCSD was attended by over 180 friends. Something good must come of this great loss! Selwyn Berg (father) Pamela Warfield-Galbreath, 05/04/**-07/10/01 While I was still styling my mothers hair one sunny day in September, I noticed a purple looking mole on the top of her head. I told her that she should have it checked by a doctor. To my horror I heard the word cancer come out of my mothers mouth. I was shocked, scared and angry all at the same time. Never did I think that the worst thing in the world could bring out the best in a person. My mother never let the cancer beat her spirit. She never complained once even when she was bed ridden in the hospital. She always thought of others before herself. She called me from the hospital to see how I was feeling because I had a cold. A cold! She was dying of cancer and was worried about me! I wrote this to let the world know how beautiful my mother was, not only in her looks, but in spirit and in love. Always tell your family and friends just how much you love them, everyday. My mother taught me that. Ask your hairstylist to check your scalp on every visit. You never know, a haircut could save your life! Ann E. Warfield (daughter) Diann C. Lewis, My mother was first diagnosed with melanoma in 1994. She had the lymph nodes under her left arm removed and went into remission. She was cancer free for almost 10 years, she thought for sure she’d beaten it, then it showed up again in August of 2002. What she thought was just swollen glands turned out to be melanoma. From there she went through surgery, chemo (interferon) and radiation, only for it to reoccur in the same area during treatment. It continued to progress within the next several months to her stomach, lungs, spinal fluid and brain. She continued treatment with more evasive chemo and radiation. All the while never giving up hope or faith that God would heal her again. She died this past September to join my father in heaven, who died 6 years ago. She left behind two daughters and a grandson. Mom, you were and still are my hero! Your undying strength and faith continues to be such an inspiration to me. I’m so glad and blessed to have been there with you every step of the way. I’m back in nursing school and will graduate next spring! I love you and miss you. You still won the fight mom, your cancer free! Sarah E. Lewis (daughter) Dennis A. Cory, Dennis was a very caring individual that loved people and life. He was a hard worker who was always there to help when in need. He will be sadly missed by his wife and his family. I have one thing to say that my brother said to me in his last days: “Stay out of the sun unless you are using sunscreen!” I miss him a lot and all the fun times that we had together… Daniel J. Cory (brother) Thomas Siemers, My father suffered with melanoma for 28 years. He started out with a lesion on his foot and 6 years ago it spread to his lymph nodes, 3 years later it spread to his brain. From the time it spread to his brain until he passed, it went into his lungs, liver, stomach, spine and bones. Through out all the treatments and trials he continued to go to work everyday. Actually he went to work 2 weeks before he passed. He acted as though he weren’t even sick, he didn’t want his family to worry. Two days before he died he even told me he was going back to work on Monday. My father was the strongest person and a great example. He died just a month ago, and left here are my mom, my sister-26 and myself-19. I just thank the lord we had so many good years with him, I couldn’t ask for a better father. I consider myself lucky for all the time we had with him. Betsie Siemers (daughter) William Judge Colwell, My father was a medical corpsman in World War II. He was a wonderful father, teacher, athlete and artist. He always was kind to all people whether he knew them or not. He was very sensitive to his environment and his beautiful stained glass art reflected his love of the universe and of our universal creator. He created wonderful gardens and that skill was passed on to me. He raised roses and so do I now. He never felt sorry for himself even when diagnosed with this disease. He constantly said he would be fine. I believe he found peace through acceptance with this disease (condition). It fully changed my view of life, living and acceptance of things we cannot change. My father had no fear during his hospice time. He passed on his birthday, 79 years to the hour of his birth. I feel blessed to have spent time with him. I will never forget him or the lessons learned through this experience. Kenneth W. Colwell (son) Rory Lee Galloway, My father was always exposed to sunlight. He worked
for GTE/Alltel for approximately 20 years as a lineman and he was
always on the telephone poles working. He also was an avid golfer;
it was his favorite thing in the world before he got sick, and even
after. When he was younger he would play every single evening after
he got off work and 2 or 3 rounds on his days off. Not only was
he at the golf course, when he had kids, we played sports. We played
softball, ran track and played soccer. Basically he spent his whole
life in the sun. In the summer of 2001 he was mowing the grass and
a rock hit a mole on his leg. It became infected and he didn’t
think anything of it until it didn’t get any better. He then
went to a dermatologist and had a biopsy. Although the biopsy came
back positive for melanoma, the doctor waited about 1.5 months or
so to take the mole off. He went through 4 surgeries, interferon,
radiation, and other “experimental” treatments! He passed
away May 13, 2003, exactly one week after his 43rd birthday. Amanda Beth Galloway (daughter) Kelly Rutherford Kelly Had melanoma for five years and fought each
day through over 30 surgeries as time went on. He never was sick
a day in his life until the melanoma started. My advice: to take each day and grasp the moment, never say never and always learn through the experience. Kelly always stated there is a reason for everything. I was anorexic and very ill when I met Kelly and he cared for me and I in turn for him. Always. Sandra
Elliott My mother was born an only child to the best grandparents
a girl could wish for. My mother left behind a daughter who at the time was
a senior in high school and a set of parents whom had lost their
only child. Her death was long and painful. I witnessed many seizures,
called 911 numerous times, and watched the only parent I had ever
known slip away before my eyes. All I know is that if this form
of cancer was more publicized that it possibly could have been prevented
many years ago, especially since it is the most Kelly Elliott (daughter) Noel
D. Hamilton My father died when he was 59 years old. He was a man full of life and love, now his grandchildren will not be able to know their grandfather like they should have. Because of this dreaded cancer his life was cut short. My father had 4 children, my 3 brothers and me. I was Daddy’s girl. My Mom takes one day at a time. She was 55 when Dad died. He had a mole removed from his back in August of 1996 and lost his life in August 1998. He leaves behind 7 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, my brothers, Mom and me. He is sorely missed. Marnita Wood (daughter)
Alan
C. Lawson Mole removed August 1998. Informed that all cancer was removed and to get chest x-ray every 6 months. November 8, 2002 diagnosed with Stage IV. Leyla
Harrison Leyla was only 28 when she died. She was an unbelievable person: full of love for others, a fierce spark for life, a lively intelligence. She is missed by many, including myself, her father Mitchell and mother Paula. Frances
J. Alcorn Mario
A. Lepore From wife Margie: I miss your love and company. Thomas
F. Burns Loving father and wonderful grandfather, he will be so missed. Diagnosed and passed 6 weeks later with stage IV melanoma. My heart is so broken Dad, miss you. Mary Sue Burgwin, daughter. Billy
Douglas Dominy Diagnosed with melanoma August 2001. He went through a divorce, custody battles and surgeries all at one time. I met him in March 2002. He was the strongest man I had ever met. He fought his cancer with his head held high. He had been on 11 different chemotherapies during this whole time and radiation. He never gave up. Even though he knew the outcome of his disease, he always was the one to say, "Everything is going to be alright!" He gave me strength and I hope one day his son will know his daddy was the strongest man alive. I love my husband more than life itself. I miss him more and more everyday, but he is in a better place now. I do not look at his death as a battle lost, but won. He has given me so much strength in his life and in his death. I love you Billy!!! Mary Kathryn Dominy, wife.
Diagnosed with melanoma 8 years ago. He went through
several treatments including Interluken, Interferon, Gamma Knife
and some chemo. The melanoma started in a mole on his lower back
and spread to his lymph system, lungs, brain, liver, intestines
and other organs. Stephanie Worthington (daughter) Barbara
A. Carmickle Barbara was diagnosed with stage IV Melanoma in 1995.
She was put on Interferon for one year. December 1996, she was able
to discontinue treatment just prior to Christmas. She was 31 years old. Barbara will never be forgotten. She was a caring,
loving and thoughtful sister. Katherine Cloud (sister)
|
|
| Events | AMF
Newsletter | Donation & Sponsorship
| Patient Support | |
|