LUNGevity Foundation:

Heather Ann “Hebbie” Saler 1969-2008

Heather Saler and her son, Tyler

Total Number of Gifts: 143

Total Value of Gifts: $15,940.50

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A Letter from LUNGevity's President

Dear Friends of LUNGevity,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of LUNGevity, it is with the deepest sadness that I am writing to inform you that Heather Saler passed away on May 9, 2008. Heather’s strength, courage, and perseverance were an inspiration to everyone who knew her and we will sincerely miss her.

Heather was one of the first patient advocates for Lung Cancer Support Community, and provided an introduction between LCSC and LUNGevity. LCSC is now part of LUNGevity Foundation. Heather approached LUNGevity in 2004 about organizing a fundraising walk in South Jersey. At the time, we had not even considered the notion of raising money through regional events, but she was persistent. We never would have imagined that her 2004 walk, which raised $31,000 its first year, would set us on the path of establishing a strong national events program in such a short time. Heather’s walk has raised in total, over the years, more than a quarter-million dollars! It is because of Heather’s tireless dedication that we now have close to 40 events across the country. We will always be grateful to her.

Heather was a five-year survivor of advanced lung cancer which is a highly uncommon scenario for lung cancer patients. Despite her treatments and personal battle with the disease, she was determined to increase awareness of lung cancer, reduce the stigma associated with the disease, and raise much-needed funds for lung cancer research, all with a smile on her face. After her initial treatment, she felt fortunate to be in remission and wanted to “carry the load” for other, less fortunate lung cancer patients, and the South Jersey walk was born. Heather showed us all that it is possible to turn an unfortunate situation into opportunities to help others.

Heather is survived by her husband, Brad, her son Tyler Rudnick, her parents Barbara and William (Butch) Briggs, her brother Scott W. (Jennifer) Briggs, and many other loving family members and dear friends. They all “carried the load” for Heather when she was unable.

The board of directors and staff of LUNGevity offer their deepest sympathy to Heather’s family and friends. We will all miss her.

Sincerely,

Jill Feldman
President
LUNGevity Foundation
435 North LaSalle Street
Suite 310
Chicago, Illinois 60610
312.464.0716
312.464.0737 fax
http://www.lungevity.org

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mamala and daddy Fri, Dec 25, 2009 Hey Babe' Its another Christmas without you. Missing you so much. Made "our" choco pretzels and Christmas cookies. Felt like you were there with me helping . Of course you were always better at the pretzels than me. haha. Christmas eve is so different. Remember when we all decorated the tree Christmas eve. and watched the Chevy Chase Christmas movie. traditions!!!!!!!!!! miss all of it. We will be meeting brad, tyler, scott , jen and the youngins on Sunday for our pretend Christmas. You will be with us, i know. Got you a garden angel for your Heather Garden. I know you will love it. love you always
mamala and daddy Fri, Nov 13, 2009 Hey Babe' we miss you so much. Yes, of course we had the walk!. the sun shone as you planned. we had so many wonderful guests. so many generous donators. tyler helped so much this year, kept asking what else he could do. you would be so proud. he is now taller than me! needs a haircut. haha. Tyler raised over 3K. Amazing. love that kid. we raised a lot of money and one day they will find a cure because of you. I know aunt helen is standing next to you , take care of her. Did you like the pretty flowers we brought you? hope so. love you always mamala and daddy
Kellie Stone Walker Fri, Nov 06, 2009 Well Hebbie, we are getting ready to rock and roll once more! We are ready to tell the world about Lung Cancer, the hopes of finding a cure and how courageous and wonderful you were to get such a great group of folks together! I am proud, as I know so many other people are as well, to be your PEEPS down here on earth to carry out your dreams! We love you and miss you so very much. I give your mom and dad big hugs from you everytime I see them. Tyler is turing out to be a great young man. I know you would be proud. Well, please watch over us and send us warmth and sunshine. Love and every second counts! ((XXOO))
mamala and daddy Fri, Sep 11, 2009 hey babe' today you are 40 years old. we would have laughed and teased you about it. just cant believe it. we must be getting old.! wish you were here and we were really celebrating. we miss you so much, every second of every day. not that you dont know it, but your little man is so tall and so handsome. you should be proud and we know he will always make you proud as you have always made us proud. HAPPY BIRTHDAY we love you babe'.
Shonna Valeska Fri, Jun 12, 2009 Dearest, Tyler, Brad and to 'Mamala & Daddy', Forgive me for writing a year later to extend my deepest heartfelt condolences to you and the other members of your family. Heather was GORGEOUS-inside and out. I met her when I photographed her for the Reader's Digest Story. I still have the photos and would love to send you some. please email me and let me know your current mailing addresses. I look forward to hearing from you all. With warm regards, Shonna Valeska shonna@shonnavaleska.com
mamala and daddy Mon, May 11, 2009 hey babe' Saturday was one year since you became an angel. brad, tyler, scott, jen , sophia ,cameron, daddy and i came to see you and brought you some beautiful flowers. we felt you all around us. we all miss you so much. The world is not as bright without you. we are starting your walk planning tonite. we know it will be a success because only you could have created the perfect walk plan. You touched so many lives in everything you did and altho we cannot change was is, we can do our best to help change the outcome for other cancer victims. we hope to make you proud of us. Your little man is eating like a horse and growing like a weed. yes i hear you laughing. love ya honey always mommy and daddy
sharon vance Wed, Apr 22, 2009 My mother was a lung cancer survivor for 18 years and was fortunate to experience finishing the walk November 2009 for the first time. It was an amazing experience for her, since she had never done anything like that before. Unfortunately, mom lost her battle this past March. She showed amazing strength during her 18 years in remission and was thankful for every day. I hope she gets to meet Heather. It sounds like they were made from the same mold.
mamala and daddy Sun, Mar 22, 2009 we miss you so much! and always will babe' girl. This month last year, you were so excited about going home and getting on with your life. but God had other plans. We love you- always!
Kay Tue, Jan 20, 2009 I was just re-reading a 2006 edition of Reader's Digest and re-read Heather's story. Such a beautiful woman inside & out. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. May her precious memories and her incredible strength comfort her family in the days and years to come.
BURT AND MAD Thu, Dec 25, 2008 MISS YOU, BLESS YOU
mamala and daddy Thu, Dec 25, 2008 hey babe', its Christmas........ first without you!!. we miss you so much. You WERE Christmas. Hope, Faith, Caring, Anticipation, Joy, Excitement, Love and Giving. Your little man Tyler misses you too. He is well and surrounded by lots of love and caring. Hoping you are spending the day with Gmom, Gpop, Mom Mom and Pop Pop. Give them a hug for us. love ya always mommy and daddy
Cyndie Meldrum Wed, Dec 10, 2008 I knew Heather in High School and was shocked to hear of her passing. We used to work together at Bradlees and often she would give me a ride to work. She was a wonderful person and I am sorry that I didn't know about this sooner. My thoughts and prayers are with you and her family, she will truly be missed.
mamala (mommy) and daddy Sun, Nov 09, 2008 Hey Babe' missed you on saturday as we miss you every day. The walk was great. We all spoke of how you made sure the sun was shining bright in the sky. There were so many people there who cared so much about you. They gave us the beautiful flowers for you. knew you would love them. Tyler was so strong,and helped so much. he is growing up so fast. You would be very proud of him. love you always. mommy and daddy
Kellie Walker Tue, Nov 04, 2008 Well, you are very missed my friend!! November 1st was another great day! We did the 5th Annual Heather Saler Lung Cancer Walk. It was all beccause of you Hebby! If it were not for Heather being the brave, strong, dedicated person who guided us all to believe that we could make a difference, there would be no SJ walk at Cooper River in NJ. You showed us how to make a difference and that EVERY SECOND COUNTS! Love to all who came, all the voluneteers, the sponsers and especially for those who we have lost here on earth but guide us from heaven! Lets make 2009 bigger and better. My deepest thoughts for all of those who miss Heather dearly!
Daniel Black Sun, Oct 19, 2008 Bradley, I am deeply sorry for your loss and wish I could have been around for you in your time of need. I found this website through a guy who I went to high school with. He met you at some point as his mother went through the same things. His name is Steve Catando. If you read this message please send me an email so we can get in touch. My thoughts and prayers, Dan d.black@sailfishpoint.com
Stephanie Santore New Jersey Wed, Oct 08, 2008 Please except my deepest sympathy. Your family has one amazing angel now looking after you all. My mother passed away August 22, 2008 of the same rampid disease. My aunt passed away August 5, 2008 of lung cancer as well. My mothers cousin was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. I don't know what's going on, but we started our own team and are walking in the 5th annual Heather Saler walk on Nov. 1, 2008 in South Jersey. May God Bless Heather and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.
Grace and Dennis Colasurdo Mon, Oct 06, 2008 I met Heather when she and my daughter Caron were pals. She was in my daughter's wedding, and we laughed and joked about life during the shower, We were devastated to hear about her diagnosis and death. She was an outstanding humand being, and an incredible mom to Tyler (he used to call my daughter "Carrot" instead of Caron when he was little.) Our hearts go out to her family.
mamala (mommy) and daddy Thu, Sep 11, 2008 HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE'. Today would have been your 39th birthday. We miss you so much. We love you alway
Kelly Betancourt Thu, Aug 28, 2008 I never had the pleasure to met Heather but I worked with her mother Barbara. From all the conversation I had with Barb she was so proud of Heather for all her hard work and dedication. What a fighter she was! Like mother like daughter. I will keep the family in thoughts and prayers. I love you Memom:))) Keep up all the hard work in Heathers name!! She is with you......
Debbie Waters Sat, Jun 07, 2008 Although I never met Heather, I have had the opportunity to meet her parents after they retired in S.C. I have had several conversations with her mom and dad from time to time over the last few years and from everything I have heard from them, Heather was a wonderful person and was resposible for helping raise so much money for cancer research. I know they are very proud of the person she became and what she accomplished.I have had the pleasure of working for her parents and getting to know them and I feel so much sadness for them. They are both really great people and I hope that they know they are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandra Eldridge Mears Tue, Jun 03, 2008 My beloved brother, Tony Eldridge, died on the same day May 9, 2008, of the same cancer. He was only diagnosed for 9 months and like Heather, most did not know he was in the pain he was in. He continued to work through his radiation and chemo. He kept a positive attitude, and was more concerned for others than he was for himself. Heaven celebrated two special angels that day. I pray that more research is done so that this disease can be screened and caught so much earlier than it is now. May God bless you all with His peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of one so special.
Michelle Scrimale Mon, Jun 02, 2008 I admired Heather for her determination and strength. For the years I have known her, she has always had that determination in everything she did. And she was always smiling no matter what. I miss her and her yummy recipes she would send me and made for me. I miss our talks, Heather, but I know that you are at peace and free. Love you friend, Michelle
Kate Dunn Sun, Jun 01, 2008 Heather was the type of person that you would never of known she had lung cancer if you didn't know her. She was tough and only wanted to beat this disease. She never talked about how she herself felt. It was always about what can we do to make others feel good about the lung cancer walks. Let's take some pain away from others--let's make the day super fun and uplifting. That was just the type of girl she was. I still can't believe that she is gone. I think about her a lot and I hope her determination shines down on us the next couple of months and gets us through SJ Walk 2008 and beyond. I miss you Heather.
Allison J Bauman, Chicago, IL Fri, May 23, 2008 To the family of Heather - My heart goes out to all of you during this time. My mom died on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 from the same awful disease and I share your grief. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Brad Saler Fri, May 23, 2008 Heather did everything she could for anyone who needed her. I'm thankful for the time I had with her. She changed my life forever, made me a better person and gave me a remarkable son who is almost as dorky as she. I wanted to thank everyone who has helped us over the years, I am sure her life has changed many in some way and we all were lucky if we knew her. I love you Heather.

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