This is my father, Joe Sabatine, doing what he loves best – preparing to fish!

First diagnosed 20 years ago. WLE on back, no further treatments suggested. January 2001 diagnosed Stage IV with met to adrenal gland, which was removed. June 2001 mets to both lungs and bone. January 2002 diagnosed with multiple micromets to brain. Passed into eternal life on Thursday, February 7th, 2002.He was 58 years old.

Joe was a loving husband to his wife Sharon for 38 years. He was loved by many, but especially by his children and grandchildren.He returned this love threefold. His laughter was distinct and would bring a smile to everyone’s face. He was the type of man who would do anything for anyone, and often did. Even in his darkest days he did not hesitate to talk with others about their cancer, and give encouragement. He had such a passion for living life to the fullest, and was quite the outdoorsman. He loved to fish, duck hunt, deer hunt, sail, camp, snowmobile, and even raced motorcross when he was younger.

My father will be missed so very much by so many people, but we all know he is in a much better place and no longer suffering. His body may be gone, but his spirit will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Jon Michael Warrington was born on July 10, 1973 in Minden, Nebraska to James and Candice Warrington. The second of four sons, Jon grew up in Gibbon, Nebraska, graduating from Gibbon High School in May of 1992.

As a young boy, Jon enjoyed camping with his family, swimming, playing baseball, and wrestling with his brothers. In high school, Jon excelled in football, cross-country and wrestling, competing at the state level. He played the drums in the school band. He also acquired a love for horses where he trained and competed with his mare, "Missed Flight".

He grew up in the Baptist faith, and at the age of seven accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was baptized. He continued his walk with the Lord the remainder of his life.

As a very young boy, Jon was influenced by his grandfather, MSgt Charles Warrington. As a result of his grandfather's example and love of the Marine Corps, Jon enlisted in the Marines in May 1991 in the delayed enlistment program, at the age of 17.

On May 26, 1992 he left for MCRD in San Diego. After basic training, re reported for duty at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina. There he met and fell in love with Sheri Loper. They were married on May 14, 1994. In August 1995 he was stationed in Yuma, Arizona at LAV test directorate where he spent four years.

On September 16, 1995 triplet sons, Calder, Cullen, and Cody were born to Jon and Sheri in Phoenix, Arizona. After just a short time on earth, these three precious babies went to heaven. They have since been in the hearts and memories of the Warrington family. On December 31, 1996, Jon and Sheri gave birth to their fourth son, Colter Wyatt. He was the light of his father's life.

In 1999 Jon was transferred to SOI at San Onifrey, California where he was an instructor until his retirement.

In June of 1998, Jon was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. This started his four year battle with this dreadful disease. Through his continual struggle with surgeries, treatment, and hospitalizations, Jon continued serving his country as a Marine, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Because of the limitations of his disease, Jon was medically retired in March of 2001.

Jon, Sheri and Colter moved back to Gibbon to be close to family and friends. Jon continued to valiantly fight his battle with cancer. He took pleasure in the times spent with family and friends.

Jon passed into heaven on Saturday, May 18, 2002 at his parent's home in Gibbon, surrounded by his family.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his wife and son, his parents, brothers, Kris and wife Pam of Gibbon, Brion of Omaha, Dan of Kearney, two nieces and one nephew, Grandparents, Charles Warrington of Gibbon and Virgil and Ruth Lusk of Minden, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, a host of friends, and Marine Corps comrades.

My son LeRoy Smith was diagnosed with mm in Nov. of 1996. Mole on lower left back removed and sent away to PA and was told all was clear. Was diagnosed as only .7. In July of 1998 noticed lumps under left arm. I'll always remember the surgeon's sad look when he came out of surgery and said it was melanoma. Still he fought hard. Owned his own trucking business, all from hard work, went on a full year of interferon, always positive, always a smile. I never knew till he was gone, he was told then that he had between 3 to 5 yrs. He was going to beat it and be a survivor. He regained his strength and weight and we thought he was doing great. Summer of 2000 we entered our Kenosha Cty Relay for Live Event. I raised the highest single donation of over $2000.00. Then September of 2000, just after getting home from work went into seizure and rushed to hospital. Found golf ball sized brain tumor, had surgery, radiation, made 2 trips to TX to Burzinski Clinic, once again went back to work until Jan. 2001 looked in mirror and like overnight a massive lump right above his heart. Biopsy and was melanoma. Through it all he remained so strong continuing to go up north snowmobling with his family between chemo treatments. Then more small brain tumors, did the gamma knife, went on massive chemos, all to no avail, sold his business, tumors progressed and lost some speech and major crisis when he could no longer drive. Driving had been his life. He loved his flag pole, it was a gift from one of his drivers, and he died at 4:30 p.m. beautiful sunny day on Flag Day, June 14, 2001. His wife went out and lowered the flag. His twin sons were 13 on January 12, 2002. Oh, how we all miss him.
His loving Mom and Family

Tribute from the company LeRoy hauled for:
His forever smile said it all
No one loved his family more,
No one loved his friends more,
No one loved his work more,
And no one but no one loved his truck more.

This is my Mom, Donna Reith. She was finally diagnosed with Stage III MM in July '91 after she went through 5 biopsies over the period of a year. Her Primary appeared on her nose. All 5 were read incorrectly. By the time it was diagnosed, she was Stage III with one lymph node positive for MM. She went through a total of 17 surgeries as a Stage III, many were reconstructive as they removed 1/2 of her nose due to the primary Melanoma. She attempted interferon in '91, but the side effects were incredibly severe and treatment was terminated. She remained NED until March 4, 2000 when a large lump was buldging out of her back and growing at a rapid pace. The Core Needle Biopsy indicated it indeed was Metastatic Melanoma. As months would pass, she would develop metastases in both lungs and in her brain.

She tried EVERYTHING and then some to combat this beast. She participated in two different clinical trials after FDA Approved treatments failed her. She was involved in Phase I trials for Perillyl Alcohol as well as Endostatin. She was dropped from both studies due to progression. When the brain mets caused seizures and left her unable to communicate, she decided to try Gamma Knife, without success unfortunately. Two months before she died, she developed several very large blood clots in both lungs and in one of her legs. Meanwhile, the brain mets was progressing. Mom needed to make a choice between Hospice and continuing the battle. There was no choice in her mind.......she continued to fight. She began Temador just 12 hours before she died. She was an inspiration and a Godsend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She loved life so much and fought very hard, always........always with a positive attitude and a smile to share even during the worst of her battle. She passed away peacefully on April 14, 2001.

To those who love her, she will forever be the strongest, most amazing woman we'll ever know.

This photo of Jerry Keeling was taken only months before he was diagnosed with nodular melanoma in April 1998. He was dressed in costume for a role in one of the many plays he performed at our community theater. I'm certain that he is still singing, blending his rich baritone with the other voices of the Angel Choir.

Jerry confronted melanoma with the same quiet determination as he did most things. He resolved to stay positive and not give up, and in the end he faced death with dignity, grace, and even humor.

He left a legacy whereas by example he taught those who knew him to not dwell on what might have been, but rather to embrace the possibilities, and to not fear death as an ending, but to anticipate it as a new journey.

Gerald M. Keeling
December 11, 1951 - October 20, 2000
Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather and child of God

Here's Joe Tuso, dancing with his sweet wife, Jean. Melanoma took his life, but not his spirit, on Feb. 4, 2001. He fought a long and hard battle, but never gave up hope--we know he wants you all to keep up your fight in the hopes of a cure for this terrible disease. He valued all of the friendships and words of encouragement he received on this MPIP board.

He was first diagnosed in August, 1998, became Stage III in July of 2000, Stage IV in December of 2000, and passed away Feb. 4, 2001. He was willing to try ANYTHING to be around longer, even if a treatment only had a 1% chance of helping his MM, he would have pursued it. His wife, five daughters, son-in-laws, 12 grandchildren and mother will miss him greatly, but are very thankful for the wonderful impact he's had on their lives.

In one of the books he translated, Beowulf was described as "...the mildest of men and the gentlest, kindest to his people." This, too, is true of Joe.

Kyle Edvard Ericksen was born on 1/14/1971 and died 9/25/2000. He was 29. Kyle only lived 15 months after he was diagnosed with the beast. His treatment was experimental and it failed. He loved music, the ocean, skateboarding, his dog Tucker, his family, and life. He was the light of our life; a very big and painful hole will always remain in our hearts. We miss him so very much. He has one sister Kindra.

The following is a poem that I once saw posted on MPIP, I borrowed it, and had it put on a tile for Kyle's headstone. Music was so important to him.

Kyle, your music will always continue life is much like music. A well-lived life plays on forever in the minds, and the hearts, and in the very souls of all who hear it. Each life's song is but a blend of the notes given to us by God at the moment of our birth. We put the story to the melodies that we choose by the way we live each day. Throughout our lives, we add to this mix the notes from the lives of all who touch us deeply. And they, in turn, live on in us… and the music continues. Let Kyle's "Song" be remembered... and live on… in all who knew him.

We love you Kyle,
Mom, Dad and Kindra

Randy was the most wonderful, honest, inspiring and courageous person I've ever met. He changed my life forever and I hope, with all my heart, that he's still watching over me.

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom, and make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. Some people stay in our lives awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same again."

~ Author unknown

Kenneth L. Luke
Age 44
Mar 2, 1956 -
April 18, 2000
Caregiver was Mom (Jan)

Diagnosed in June, 1994, primary mid-upper back: malignant melanoma - superficial spreading type, 0.62, Clarks Level III. He had a WLE at a major hospital specializing in MM. The SNB had not yet been developed. Other than periodic checkups, no further treatment was ordered.

In April, 1999 the melanoma returned with a vengeance, resulting in a complete left axilla lymphadenectomy (26 positive nodes). Over the next 9 months, Ken was treated at three well-known hospitals, all melanoma specialists. He had numerous surgeries, received two different vaccines, IL-2, DTIC and radiation but the melanoma continued to spread. He encountered many problems along the way and his condition deteriorated rapidly. By the end of January his liver had suddenly exploded with tumors, he experienced severe problems with IL-2, treatment was stopped and he was released from the NIH trial. In early February, a JWCI doctor said they had nothing for him and I was advised to "just keep him comfortable". Shortly thereafter, he went on hospice and passed away during Holy week, on April 18, 2000.

Ken always looked younger than his years, still played sports, loved to do stats and was known for his infectious smile and winning personality. His devotion to his family, loyalty to his friends, pride in his work, passion for sports and great sense of humor made up his wonderful persona. As a corporate accountant, preparing financial statements for an international corporation, Ken met and worked with people around the world. When he passed away, condolences poured in from all corners of the globe, each remembering a man with a great smile, a magnetic personality and one who always carried himself with class and dignity.

Throughout his battle, when bad news seemed to be the only news, Ken always remained positive, vowing that the "beast" would never steal his spirit. Ken never knew how many lives he touched and how his courage became an inspiration to all. He was truly a very special person, a brave warrior and our hero.