Michael George Miles 10/12/85 - 02/23/03

Michael was first diagnosed with melanoma when he was 11 years old. After a 6 year courageous fight, Michael passed peacefully on a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon surrounded by his family (Mom, Dad, and 2 brothers age 13 and 21 at the time), his godmother, our now daughter-in-law, and a special family friend.

Michael was a good friend to all and an inspiration to so many. We were touched by the teenagers that approached us at Michael's visitation and told us with tears in their eyes how Michael had changed their lives and brought them closer to God. There were also many, many people who were so inspired by his strength and faith that they said they will be forever changed just by knowing Michael.

Michael was a very talented musician. He played the guitar, bass, keyboard, sang, and wrote his own songs. He self-produced over 20 CDs of his own music and some cover songs. He loved the Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Beatles. He did 2 special CDs for me and his dad consisting of all Oldies. He could just listen to a song a couple of times and be able to pick up his guitar and play it. When he recorded, he played all the parts himself - rhythm, lead, bass, keyboard, drums, and singing. He was amazing! He was approached to sign a record deal when he was 15 but he turned them down and said he first wanted to finish high school and go to college.

Michael formed his own band called "Any Day After". The picture here is of him on what was probably the happiest day of his life. The first really professional gig his band had - at the Riverfest in Columbus, GA. This is an annual outdoor festival that is attended by thousands of people. He was SO happy that day. That was after his recurrence and I remember when they got the gig, he asked me if he should agree to it because he didn't know how he would be feeling by then. I told him to go for it because if he was sick or in treatment he could always cancel if he had to. I thank God that he agreed to it because it turned out to be one of the most wonderful things he experienced in his short life.

Michael was also a very smart young man. Even in his final days, he kept up with his studies and remained number 2 in his junior class of close to 400. He was inducted into the National Honor Society posthumously. His brothers accepted his certificate for him.

When Michael was told that there were no other treatments that would help him, he was so brave. He was more worried about us than he was about himself. He told me that night, "if God doesn't give me the miracle that I have been praying for, then I am ready to go. I've had a great life, wonderful family, and great friends."

Michael is sorely missed by all, but we now have a special angel watching over us. We believe we will be united with our beautiful son one day and that brings us much peace and comfort.

Joe Terry Wray, Passed January 6, 2005.

Joe is my soulmate. He is in Heaven watching over me till I leave this Earth and join Him in Heaven one day. Joe was the Father of two daughters, Terri Joyce and Laura. We have three Grandgirls: Kayla, Kaitlyn and Karley Kilgo. Also a Grandson named Jayce. Words can never express the deep love for my Husband and the Heartache of MM. I pray one day there will be a cure for MM and No One else will know the Heartache that I and his family is going thru with My Joe's Passing

. I love You Joe, Till we meet again at the Pearly Gates of Heaven.
Love Judy.

In loving memory of Bill Parenteau
December 25, 1969 - December 12, 2004

Husband, father, brother, and son.

Bill was a fireman, very strong and brave and loved by all that met him. Bill first got melanoma in 1992. A wart on his knee was removed and was said to be stage II melanoma. 11 years later after many clean check-ups, his cancer returned to his lymph node in his groin. After a lymph node disection and 8 months on Interferon, the beast continued to grow. It spread to his liver, lungs and spine. Bio-chemotherapy was his next best choice. It was so rough, but made it through two cycles, and still further spread of his cancer. He next traveled to PA monthly to participate in the BAY trial. After 4 visits we were excited to see the shrinking of his tumors in his liver and lungs. Vision problems soon told us that it spread even further. He had an MRI and was told he had 30 brain lesions. He went blind in one eye. Whole brain radiation was tried along with low dose Temodar. These also failed and he passed to the angels on December 12, 2004, 13 days before his 35th birthday. Rest in peace knowing I will do my best to spread the word of this awful beast.

Your loving and dedicated wife, Susan.

H.J. Harrison, Jr., my beloved husband Jay, died in my arms on December 8, 2004 after a valiant struggle with melanoma that was first diagnosed in May of 2003. He had a clear sentinel node biopsy and a successful wide local excision on his thigh, but the melanoma had spread to the deep iliac nodes. Shortly after New Year's Day in 2004 we learned it had spread to numerous lymph nodes in the groin and pelvis. Multiple surgeries, various types of chemo, radiation, an autologous vaccine and two rounds of high-dose IL-2 all failed, despite Jay's best efforts.

Jay was a Vermont State Trooper for 7 years, and a proud Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for over 22 years at the time of his death. A member of the SWAT Team, a Tactical and Firearms Instructor, he was the recipient of the FBI Star for bravery and a friend to countless agents throughout the Bureau.

Jay loved to ride motorcycles, downhill ski, scuba dive and shoot. He loved and spoiled our rescued greyhounds, Rocket and Moose, and now lies peacefully with his big boy Moose who left us in April of 2004.

Shortly before Jay died, we were lucky to be able to adopt a baby rescue greyhound whom we named Rusty. He immediately bonded with Jay and was a happy presence in Jay's life until the end. The photo shows 11-week-old Rusty happily snoozing with his guy.

Jay was the best husband, friend and warrior you could know. I will miss him until the day I die. Have fun in heaven, sweetheart. I will always love you.

Susan, Rocket & Rusty.

This is my father Robert Shipley Jr. He's pictured here with my daughter and his granddaughter the "little princess." Is what he always called her.

He was born and raised in Connellsville,PA. Joined the Navy and served our country from 1968 till 1971. Came down to Florida and attended college. Three days before my second sister was born in 1979 he became a Police officer for the Miami-Dade Police Department.

My dad was diagnosed with Melanoma in 1983. After that he had a mole removed from his right side of the body next to his ribs. In 1985 he had lymph nodes removed from under his left armpit. In 1987 he became a sergeant. Then my family thought it was gone. It being an evil beast was just the beginning. Seven years later in 1992 he had a lymph node taken out on the left side leg by his groin. That didn't stop him, in 1993 he became apart of the Narcotics Bureau, helping to create the well known T.N.T. (Tactical Narcotics Taskforce) As seen on the movie Bad Boys 2.

Then in 1999, he had heart surgery. They x-rayed him and found out he had cancer on his right lung and colon. So the heart surgery was done first. In 2000 the removal of the 1/4 of the right lung. In August 2003 he had transversal colon surgery. He retired from the force in January 2004. Looking forward to spend quiet time in his favorite place in the North Carolina mountains and also enjoy his 4 grandchildren Hunter (5 years), Memphis (7months), Savannah (3 years), and Brody (15 months). And to work on his 3rd love his 1971 Dodge Charger.

February 2004 he had gotten two tumors on each end of the incision scar. So my father decided to fight it by doing kemo. May 1, 2004, he started, every 2 months he went into more intense poison. He was a 260pd man as you can see in the picture. He had thick arms, now after months of kemo, he was only 200pd maybe less. The thick arms no longer there. The big, strong man I known in my 23 years of life, was disappearing. He had to be wheeled to and from the bathroom and just laid there in his recliner looking at his grandkids, memorizing every line. My mom, did one hell of a job. She was there with him for everything. The trips to the hospital, staying there all day and driving back 1 hour to home. I give her 2 thumbs up.

My father died at home with family around him On Sept 20, 2004. 2 months before his 56th birthday. The following week he was decorated with a police funeral. And now he is buried in the mountains of North Carolina overlooking the town of Murphy, which he loved so much.(Sometimes, I think he became part of those mountains. Things happened to our family up there, that only my dad could have done.)While leaving his burial site, 2 deers crossed our path, and I smiled, and also going up to his retirement cabin another deer crossed our path once more. Then I cried and said, Thanks dad. I've been going to his cabin in north carolina for 10 years and never once saw a deer. That I say, that's him showing us he's okay now.

(5/27/1979-12/24/2003) This is my brother Thomas, who was diagnosed with Level 3 nodular melanoma on his right calf on Jun 13, 2003. 3 days before his sentinel lymph node biopsy (7/18/03) and WLE of the lesion, he developed a terrible headache. The surgeon said he would postpone his surgery until he was feeling better. Since he was bipolar and had obsessive-compulsive disorder, the doctor thought it was psychological. Eager to get the surgery over with, and convinced it was a stress headache, he said he was fine. When he woke up from the surgery he was vomiting and screaming for painkillers. The next day, the CAT scan revealed the source of the headache - a grape-sized brain tumor on his right temporal lobe. Emergency brain surgery was done 7/22/03. The melanoma had bipassed his lymph nodes and traveled through his bloodstream. We were told he had 6 months to live.

We tried to seek an alternative route, since Thomas did not want chemotherapy because he was told it would only extend his life. His cells from the brain tumor were taken to develop an autologous vaccine, but he would not live long enough to participate in that trial. Because of both his prognosis and mental condition, he was rejected as a candidate for any clinical trials. As a family, we supported his decision to enjoy the time he had left, rather than try to extend his life. We went to Disney World multiple times, took him wherever he wanted to go, and cooked his favorite meals or treats at his request.

In October, an MRI revealed a new brain tumor in the left temporal lobe. He could not do radiation therapy because as one doctor mentioned, "It would be like rearranging the chairs on the deck of the titanic." Thomas knew the cancer was raging inside his body. He started having pain late October, early November and was hospitalized for pain management late November. He now had 3 brain tumors, one that pressed on the muscle in his right eye and within a weeks' time, his vision went from blurry to blind in that eye. He had tumors in almost every major organ in his body: intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys, and bladder.

On December 9, 2003, he went into Hospice Care. The hospital had given us paperwork on an adult wish foundation. Thomas, although 24, was a true kid at heart. His dream was to meet Hulk Hogan. But we were told he would live 3-5 days because the tumor in his liver was the size of a grapefruit. We knew the paperwork for the dream foundation would never arrange the visit on time. Luckily, we knew Hulk lived about 40 minutes from us and my boss's friend was his next door neighbor. They got in touch with Hulk and he called Thomas. Impressed with how much a fan Thomas was and how much he knew about wrestling, Hulk rearranged his schedule because he said "I have to see this kid. He's for real." On December 12, Thomas met Hulk Hogan and Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs. Hulk spent over 2 hours, just with our family and friends. Thomas was on heavy painkillers and could barely keep his eyes open for more than a few minutes at a time, but when Hulk was there, he fought to stay awake almost the entire visit!!! Thomas had an unbelievable memory, and he was like "Remember in 1987 when you fought this match?" Hulk couldn't believe how much he knew about wrestling!!!

After that visit, he rallied, and we got 10 or so days more with him than the doctors had anticipated. In retrospect, that is nothing, but those days broken down into hours or minutes contained more beautiful moments and cherished memories than one could imagine. Thomas maintained his great sense of humor, joke-telling, childish heart, and undying devotion to his beloved family friends. He spent his last days consoling us and making us smile.

Melanoma is a vicious beast of a cancer that takes beautiful people away from those that love them. My heart goes out to all those who have lost and my best wishes go out to those that are battling this disease.

Our tribute page is www.thomasperrotta.8m.com

William Fleming Chappel was born on April 17,1942 in Casey County, KY. He grew up in KY with his 2 sisters, and 2 brothers. He decided to enlist in the Navy when he was old enough to go off. He retired from the Post Office in 1992. He was a man who loved the outdoors, fishing, hiking, and hunting Deer and Elk.

He became my Daddy on June 27th, 1974 when he and my Mom, Jeanette adopted me in Kentucky. They took me home to Colorado, where I was raised with love, patience and respect. I always knew I was adopted, but I also always knew he was my Daddy. My Mom often said "Anyone can be a Father, it takes somebody special to be a Daddy." Boy was he!

He was always there when I needed him, coming home early from work when I was sick, rescuing me when I learned to drive and locked my keys in my car numerous times. He once taught me to change my tire on my car, nevermind I was wearing white pants and on my way to a date. He walked me down the isle, after a little "You can back out you know," to my best friend, and he was there at 4 in the morning when it was time to go to the hospital for his first Grandbaby, his pride and joy, Brianna, was born. He stayed the whole 28 hours, wondering if I should be going through that much pain and making sure the nurses were on their toes. He brought Brianna to meet her little brother, Garrett, in the hospital and was so excited to know it was a boy that he could teach to hunt and fish.

He was diagnosed with MM about 9 years ago, with a doctor who decided not to do anything at all. A second opinion got him an operation to remove the mole on his tummy about a year later. It was a deep one, and they took quite a bit out, but he never really complained. He took all the interferon he could, about 9 months, and had to quit. He did great for about 6 1/2 years. In Nov 2002, he had a lump the size of a grapefruit removed under his right arm. He opted not to take medication, and have lymphnodes removed, but to live life to it's fullest instead.

March of 2004 brought spots on the lungs. An operation was planned but before that could happen, he was taken in to emergency for having a pin stroke, caused by 3 tumors on the brain. In April, he had one removed surgically, and had planned to have Gammaknife for the other two, and in May, he was feeling much weaker and experiencing blindness and weakness on the left side of his body. Back to the ER revealed 6 tumors on the brain and we were told to get things in order.

He decided to make one more effort and undergoe Whole Brain Radiation and was scheduled for 10 sessions. He never complained, he kept a great sense of humor and was an ideal patient. He made it through 5 sessions and the doctors said "no more." He was going downhill fast. Two days later, after suffering a major seizure, and after both Grandbabies kissed him and told him "I love you PaPaw", with his brother Dean, my Mom, my Husband, Warren and I with him, he took his last painful breath and became an angel. I miss him so much. Somedays it feels as if someone is carving my heart with a dull knife, but I know he is still with me and always will be.

The song by Tim McGraw, Live Like You are Dying touches my heart, as my Daddy did. He is surely skydiving now.

William Chappel, Age 62 Melanoma Warrior to the last.

This family picture was taken on November 26, 2003, just 5 days after we learned that my husband, Officer Darrell Minnick had metastic melanoma with multiple tumors in his brain, both adrenal glands and lungs . The doctors told us he had two months to live, but he was determined to try and fight his disease. The local police departments, community, and our family rallied around him to help him fight. We tried chemotherapy, radiation, and an experimental drug trial, but to no avail. He kept a positive attitude throughout it all. He never gave up, but the beast got him just 4 months and fifteen days after being diagnosed. Due to an infection, he went into respiratory failure on April 4, 2004. In accordance with his wishes, we did not place him on a ventilator, but let him go quietly with peace and dignity, surrounded by the love of his family, friends and fellow police officers. He has touched so many lives in our area, I am grateful to MPIP for allowing me to post this tribute to Darrell. Below is an inscription I had engraved on a paving stone at The Cancer Therapy and Research Center in San Antonio, Texas. We will always miss him, but he lives on in the faces of our two daughters, and will be remembered for his strength, kindness, courage and bravery. He was an Officer and a Gentleman to the end.

We will love you forever and always-

Kathryn, Caitlin, Chase and Emily

Jennifer Anne Lindquist-Woods was born on October 14, 1969. She quietly passed away, with her family by her side, on April 28, 2004. She was 34 years old.

Jennifer was born with a strong spirit. She was adventurous, athletic, lively and fun. She loved the outdoors and was insistent on having and caring for as many plants and animals as humanly possible. At her home, she turned her large yard into a beautiful garden filled with plants, colorful flowers, herbs and vegetables. She had a large family of chickens that she enjoyed everyday, in addition to her birds, fish, rabbits, her cat Angel and her favorite lap dog, Lucky.

Jennifer was a true artist at heart. Her creativity and talent shined through in everything she did. She enjoyed painting, sewing, writing and gardening. On entering her home you knew you had entered a wonderland of artistry. She had painted a beautiful flowering tree in her living room, which covered the walls, ceiling, mirrors and doors – like being in a forest. Jennifer loved to browse the local gardens, libraries, art museums, antique shops and most of all, the Santa Barbara Zoo, where her family will dedicate a plaque in her memory.

Jennifer was the oldest child. She had two younger sisters, Erika and Kristen, in addition to her three cousins she was closely raised with. Jennifer was the one in charge and everyone else knew it! She directed all of us younger ones, gave advice and always had an opinion on what we should do at the moment and in the future! She was the leader, the decision maker, the defender and the one we all looked up to. She was loving, supportive and dependable. She was the strong one and stood by us through every moment of fear, anger and happiness.

Jennifer was diagnosed with Melanoma in November 2001. She fought hard for over 2 years, but Melanoma was not who she was. She was a beautiful woman in body and in spirit; she was sweet, loving and kind. She was a daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin, an aunt to nieces and nephews who adored her, a friend to many people and a wife. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by many, especially me.

Christy
(Her younger cousin)

James A. Schlipmann
December 15, 1957 – December 12, 2002

For My Husband Jim – the Love of My Life & Best Friend… I’m forever grateful that God made you. That He gave you strength and tenderness, a gift of laughter, too. That He gave you honesty and faith, and courage deep and true. That He gave you dreams to work for and the energy to dare. And that God gave the two of us His precious Love to share. I’m so thankful for the happiness we had, for the life we shared, and for the very special blessing of your love. All My Love -- Jean

There’s so much to say about Jim. He was a loving and devoted husband – the Love of My Life and My Best Friend. He cared deeply about his family and throughout his life, he made innumerable lasting friendships. He had a passion for golf and was a member of Prestonwood Country Club in Dallas, TX. Jim was the youngest of 8 children, a native of Quincy, IL, and an active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano, TX.

He was so special and so selfless. From the time he was diagnosed until the time he died (less than 7 months), he fought a courageous battle with the Beast – Melanoma Cancer. He spent his final days here on earth preparing those around him to be able to deal with his death. When the Beast won, on December 12th, just 3 days before his 45th Birthday, the loss was devastating.

I kept asking myself… How could someone have a complete physical and receive a clean bill of health on March 25th, then be diagnosed with terminal cancer less than 2 months later, on May 22nd? And, then die less than 7 months later? No one could give me the answer.

So… on December 15, 2002, (what would have been Jim’s 45th Birthday) I established the James A. Schlipmann Melanoma Cancer Foundation to honor him and keep his memory alive by providing hope for individuals suffering from this horrible form of cancer, and their families.

Many caring and compassionate individuals generously support this great cause in his honor. It is because of Jim and the positive impact he had on everyone he met during his journey here on earth that his Foundation netted over $34,000 during its first year.

On December 12, 2003 – the 1st Anniversary of Jim’s Death – his Foundation made a grant to UT Southwestern Medical Center to help them in their fight to eradicate Melanoma Cancer. The grant is being used to help fund a research project aimed at educating medical students about melanoma and skin exams. Dr. Stan Taylor – a leading melanoma expert who has been in the forefront nationally in promoting melanoma awareness – is directing the project.

“The benefits can be significant in helping improve the incidence of early detection of melanoma by making it a part of the normal physical examination,” said Dr. Kern Wildenthal, president of UT Southwestern Medical Center.

If the project proves successful, it will be promoted nationwide to all medical schools.

This gives me hope! Hope that through Jim’s Foundation we will make a difference!

Please feel free to contact me at 972-307-9325 or TheSchlip@comcast.net.
– A. Jean Schlipmann

Thomas W. Brennan
Born Sept. 5, 1939 Passed: April 4, 2004

This is my father, my friend, my hero.

It has always been said that I was the apple of his eye.

It shall always be said that everything I am is because of my Dad.

It shall always be said that his life can be measured by how much he loved his family.

This horrid disease called Melanoma took my Dad on April 4, 2004.

Where did this wicked thing called Melanoma come from?

In my Dad’s case it must have struck him as a child. He was an avid golfer from the time he was a little boy. Many a day was spent on the golf course. At the age of 11 he was caddying for the “elite” at Newport Country Club. Throughout the rest of his life, he played at least (the very least) once a week. He always loved his golf!

Unfortunately, sunscreen education was not around to protect him as a young man. Back then, who had heard of wearing sunscreen on the golf course or at the beach?

10 years ago, my Dad had skin cancer / melanoma (not sure of the depth, etc) surgically removed from his neck. All was thought to be well, he always went for return visits to a fine university hospital; he never left the house without sunscreen, then, BAM ten years later, the beast reared its ugly head, without warning. It had spread to his brain, lungs and spleen.

This beast is a fast mover. We discovered the brain mets in October 2003…unfortunately; after surgery and radiation treatments my Dad was taken just six months after. We couldn’t move fast enough to stop the beast.

I hate this disease; I despise it and I pray that we find a way to make this disease disappear in my lifetime!

Only through education and research can we tackle this beast down.

Anyone who thinks “skin cancer is nothing” should beware…

We must educate – please support the Melanoma Research Foundation.

Please help educate everyone, but mostly the children, sure they can romp and play in the sun, but they must be educated and protected.

Please help to find better treatment options for melanoma patients, please help to find a cure.

This beast may have taken my Dad’s body, but it couldn’t touch his soul and it never touched his HUGE heart.

I miss you Pops!

It will always be said that my Dad was my best friend, he IS my hero.

My Dad, Peter Gubenko Betrovski
Born May 2, 1927 Cara-Tube, Russia
Diagnosd MM 4: May 2003 died March 22, 2004

Loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed sooooo much by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Rest in peace Dad!

If you enjoy rainbows, you have to put up with the rain.
Julie

This is my Dad, Roger Crowder. He had a mole on his right arm that had itched and bled and scabbed and itched and bled and....... he had ignored it. He was diagnosed as Stage IV Malignant Melanoma in the summer of 1985. Back then, there were no treatments other then surgery and very little hope. Dad had a huge amount of tissue removed from his arm in order to get clear margins and a skin graft taken from his thigh to cover the excised area. He also had lymph nodes removed. His arm literally looked like the Dr. had taken an ice cream scoop and removed the whole area from inside his elbow. He had limited strength and mobility in that arm for the rest of his life. It was the itching and numbness from the skin graft that irritated him, though!

Dad loved tractors & country music and played Guitar & Bass Guitar in a band, The Melody Drifter's, that originated through our church. I know that he's in Heaven laughing at me, the youngest of three kids (an older daughter, Kathy and an older son, Russ) who hated growing up in a house with country music! All that I listen to anymore are artists like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson.......I guess it just took a while for the country in me to come out! Happy now, Dad?!?

Over the years, Dad had many moles removed, some good & some bad, but, at one point, he was cancer free for five years- "Cured"- the Dr's were amazed! Then, in late 1991-early 1992, the headaches started. They got worse and worse- yep, it was back. Metastatic Malignant Melanoma in the right side of his brain. Neurosurgeon George DePhillips, M.D., performed brain surgery in March of 1992 to remove the tumor. Radiation followed, giving Dad that perpetually sunburned look!

In April, 1993, his left side still weak after the brain tumor, his once thick hair sparse from radiation treatments and his face swollen from steroids, Dad walked me down the aisle at my wedding. Just over a year had passed since the brain surgery and we were all still hoping for the best.

The Fall of 1993, more weakness and extreme back pain began to plague Dad. At Christmas, it was obvious to all of us that it would probably be our last holiday with Dad. Early in 1994, tests showed that the Melanoma was back again. There was no tumor to be seen on any of the scans, but the spinal fluid was full of cancer cells. There was nothing more that could be done. Dad lost his leg mobility and had to be permanently catheterized. His personality changed, his attention span shortened and delusions became frequent. He was hospitalized in Feb. of 1994 , but returned home with the assistance of Joliet Area Community Hospice care.

Dad died early the morning of March 7, 1994 with my Mom and a Hospice Nurse at his side. He was 54 years old. I arrived at my parent's house just as he breathed his last breaths.

My last memory of my Dad alive is from the day before he died. The church pastor came to visit and brought his guitar. He started playing a song that my Dad had been nagging him to learn. My Dad, who was in and out of consciousness and really didn't make any sense when he was able to talk, started singing along. Yes, of course, it was a country song! Randy Travis's, "Forever and Ever, Amen". Over the years, that song has come on the radio many times when I needed it and I know that it is his way of letting me know that he is still here. There have been 5 GrandChildren born since Dad died and I know that he has "visited" my house and my two kids on more then one occasion!

Now, as I get ready to fight the Beast in my own battle against MM, I know that he is watching over me and giving me strength.

We all love you and miss you, Dad.

Kris

This is a picture of my husband Patrick Sillick and me (his wife Laurie) on my graduation day from college in May of 2002. He went to be with the Lord just 2 months after this photo was taken. In June of 1998 we went to the Doctor to have a suspicious mole on Pat's back checked. We were told it was "nothing" and not to worry! So we didn't......we bought a cottage on small lake, I went back to school to finish my degree, and we planned for the future with our three beautiful daughters. One year later, the mole began to change dramatically and this time we went to a different dermatologist for a second opinion. The diagnosis was stage IV melanoma. Patrick fought a courageous battle and never gave up hope that he would win this battle! Three weeks before he died, he gave his heart to the Lord and left us with a profound gift of peace - in knowing that he was with God and we would see him again. Patrick was a talented musician, a gifted teacher and a devoted father. He will forever live on in our hearts and memories....until we meet again on the other side of eternity.

We love you honey ~ Laurie, Rachel, Becky and Danielle

This is my sister Karen Stuffel (Karen from Indiana on the bulletin board). She died last July 30th, 03, I am sad to report. She had Melanoma, but that is not who she was, way too special for that one. She fought this disease like a tiger before allowing it to take her last breath. We loved her to pieces, and miss her terrible. Karen did not mind being a trial experiment if it may save someone's life. How is that for being Special! She was a Postmaster at a little Amish town. Friend to so many, who always had a heart, open mind and ear to many of friends and strangers. Karen is the youngest girl out of four daughters and one son. Baby sisters are hard to lose and this angel was one of a kind and absolutely irreplaceable. Married for 30 years to a wonderful husband, with a son and a daughter left behind. Two granddaughters, and one on the way. She fought the Good Fight and I am proud of you Karen. You are my hero. I only hope I will have half the courage you did, if I should ever have cancer invade my life.

Love you to pieces, Special Lady.
Known in Chat as Sister (Veda Thompson)

Tech. Sgt. Alan "AL" C. Lawson
2/2/1961 to 3/21/2003

Alan and Lori Lawson married 6/9/01. Please visit our memorial/information page in Memory of Alan and all Melanoma patients whom loss their battle to the "BEAST" and Honor of our Warriors. Be sure to sign in on the Memorial Page. You will have to scroll down so you do not miss the sign in sheet. Remember 2-pay-it-forward. www.2-pay-it-forward.com

In Loving Memory...Scott Alan Marshall
December 14, 1956 - February 28, 2003

Scott was a wonderful man. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. He had a great sense of humor and made everyone laugh.

He started getting sick in October of 2001. He had flu-like symptoms and couldn't get rid of it. He started getting horrid headaches. I finally talked him into going to the Dr. and getting checked out. That's when they sent him for a biopsy and this whole nightmare started. He was diagnose at stage IV. The Drs. never did find a primary. He had a 6cm brain tumor that he had removed right away. He went through radiation and ended up having 5 more brain tumors. He started chemo but the cancer spread to his kidneys, liver, lungs, and stomach.

Scott fought with everything he had. He never lost his sense of humor or his great attitude. He was joking with us the day he died. At 3:30am on February 28th, after I finally fell asleep, Scott passed away peacefully.

He is missed terribly. I will never forget him. My world is a better place because of him. He will live in our hearts forever. The best part is he is in no more pain. He never complained once and I know he was in horrible pain.

Rest in peace, my love.

Karen, Scottie, Adam, and Samantha Marshall

Daughter, Sister, Mother, Beloved, born into this physical plane of life July 28, 1962, joined her sister Vicky to walk beside her in the Pure Light of the Spirit World on October 22, 2003 at 4:29am....

My Dearest Sophie, for you, eternally, everlasting,
IN LOVE IN GOD IN PEACE,
your Sister always Demetra "Tashia"

In Loving Memory~~Mary Jane Morford

Beloved wife, mother, daughter and grandmother.
She was born October 30, 1944 in LaMesa California. She was diagnosed with Nodular Melanoma in March 2002. ( breslows depth 3.7mm ) Was was disease free until April 2003, when the Melanoma was discovered in her lymph nodes. She started Interferon, but within two weeks we were told that it was not working. In July 2003 it was found in her liver , spleen and kidneys during a E.R. visit for a gallbladder attack. We were told she only had a short time to live. We sent her and my step dad to Hawaii and shortly after they came back she was in need of Hospice. She was so strong. And so brave. She joked with us up until the day before she passed away. She loved life and all the "little things".

On October 28, 2003 at about 6:30pm she slipped into a coma. And at 9:45 pm she passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and loving husband.
She is survived by both her parents, 5 brothers and sisters, 6 children, six step children and 25 grandchildren. She was two days shy of turning 59.

We will miss her dearly........she is my hero.

"Janie's" memorial

I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length she hangs
like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky
come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!”
“Gone where?”
Gone from my sight. That is all.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says:
“There, she is gone!” there are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:
“Here she comes!”
And that is dying.
by Henry Scott Holland