Donna

[Jan214]

It is with a very heavy heart that I bring this news to you.  Donna passed away at 4 AM this morning.  Johnny called very early and I know I should have posted this earlier, but there were several people Donna wanted me to call personally and I could not go against those wishes.  I am sorry for those of you who have not returned my phone calls but I tried desperately to get ahold of you by every means available & I didn't feel that I could withhold this information from the rest of the forum any longer.  It has been 12 hours or so since he called.  Donna passed away quietly in her sleep with Johnny by her side.  She is finally at peace and although they never allowed her to be in pain, I know she was very fearful at the end.  We all like to think that we go quietly in our sleep, but that is not how it always is.  At the end I know she fought to cling to life.  She is most definitely in a better, more peaceful, pain free place now.
I know none of you will be able to make it, but Cory and I will be going down tomorrow afternoon, the visitation will be tomorrow night and we will stay overnight for the funeral on Saturday. The videos they do now will be on a website and I will get that to you after the funeral.  Her obituary will be in the paper tomorrow and I will send you that link in the morning.
After much consideration, I have decided not to do flowers.  If any of you feel so compelled, I can give you the number of a florist down there, but I think donations to ovarian cancer research or perhaps a small scholarship to a photography school in Memphis would better honor Donna, but that is an individual choice.  Besides, Donna was allergic to flowers so.  That sounds stupid doesn't it?  I am all over the place & I am sorry.  If any of you would like to participate in something like a small scholarship than I will let you know what I can set up.  RIght now I can't think anymore and that doesn't have to be decided today.  Donna loved you all and this forum meant more to her than you can ever know.  It was her lifeline to the world, and it made her feel like she was not alone.  I know that she expects you all to keep fighting and win.  Towards the end she realized that she should have fought harder, but by than it was to late.  Don't let that happen to you.  If you are all agreeable I will print out whatever prayers and comments you all make and take it to her family tomorrow.
With much sadness, sorrow, and joy that she is in God's loving embrace,
Jan  

[gma718]

Even though I was anticipating this...it is never easy....it saddens me so much...I will continue to pray for Johnny....I will Miss our MSJAZZ!!! Even though we never met just by her posts I knew what a warm, compassionate, woman she was.....Jan, I know how close you were to Donna and you showed all of us the definition of a friend...Find comfort knowing you were wonderful to Donna....Please take care of yourself....Love, Gia

[butterflytc]

May God hold Donna in the palm of his hands.
I am glad your suffering is now over, but sad to lose another friend to OVCA. Knowing you're  finally at rest, makes it easier to say Goodbye.

[Brownie3321]

I LOVE you Donna. You will be greatly missed.

[Steve H]

There are no words at this time, as I think we have all expressed these over the past days, yet, like all I have been opening this forum expecting & even wanting to see this news. Not that anyone wants a true fighter to leave, but to hope she was in no more suffering. Donna you are with the Angels now, many you already know, other you will meet, stay fighting for all those left as I know you will, keep a eye on Johnny, leave him your little signs. Missed already.

Johnny, be brave, think of the great times you had together, how much Donna was a fighter, do her justice in the way you now move forward. Don't be ashamed that you cry, that’s normal, and at the most unexpected times, when you realize I was here with Donna, but smile as YOU WERE WITH HERE, THEN AND ALWAYS.

If you need anyone, shout we are all here for you. -Steve H

[yrrek]

My tears now are not that Donna has left us, but that she left far too early.  My tears are for all of us who have to deal with this day in and day out.  Our lives are so fragile.  Donna was here for me many times when I first was DX, I was full of fear and her knowledge and kind words helped like nothing else could.  We all have unique experiences but we all have a bond that is so strong and even though she is not physically here, I still feel her presence in that bond.  Thank you Donna and Thank you to all of you.

[kimmywah]

Sorry...something happened with computer..I guess I just wanted to say it again.  Jan I will make a donation here to the Ovarian cancer fight in Donna's name.

Peace..Kim