Heather Ann “Hebbie” Saler 1969-2008

Heather Saler and her son, Tyler
| Total Number of Gifts: 144 | |
| Total Value of Gifts: $15,955.50 |
mamala and daddy
Anonymous
Citi Foundation matching gift
Carole and William Harrer
Bruce and Barbara Ware
John and Eileen Powell
James and Olga Draper
John and Hazel Collini
Peter and Emily Berlin
Cathleen and Albert Bassetti
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
Guest Book
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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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Melissa, RN
Wed, May 21, 2008
Heather was so sweet and was a joy to take care of. I was one of her nurses at the hospital where she passed away. It was very difficult for everyone who wanted so badly to see her go home. She was so brave and on her last day - she was just the type of person to be so thoughtful towards everyone involved that she left us with the memory of her beautiful smiles for her loved ones as she said goodbye. It broke my heart to see her go, but we now have a wonderful angel in heaven to look after us all. My deepest sympathy to Tyler, Brad, Mom and Dad, brother Scott and all of the many relatives and friends she met along the way. God bless you all. Melissa
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Scott, Jennifer, Cameron & Sophia Briggs
Wed, May 21, 2008
As a sister, Heather had a knack for raising my spirits with a single word or smile - something she never lost even at the very end. My son and daughter love her dearly and speak of her constantly. From the day she met my wife, she treated her like a sister, a relationship I know means the world to Jennifer.
Heather, you are loved and missed, but remain strong in our hearts. "A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost." - Marion C. Garretty. |
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mommy (mamala) and daddy
Tue, May 20, 2008
babe girl, you were the bravest person we knew, even to the end. You decided on a path to survive and fought every minute of every day to reach your goal. You surpassed what THEY expected and then some. These last few months together will be cherished forever. You were our hero and always will be
We miss you terribly |
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Terri Hunziker
Mon, May 19, 2008
Heather was one of the first lung cancer patients I met after my diagnosis in 2003. Like her, I was a non smoker and a mother of young chilren. She was such an inspiration to me. We chatted about what we should eat and I remember asking her if she ate fruit. She said not often but that she was going to have strawberries that day. Everytime I eat strawberries I think of her. I was so saddened to hear of her passing.
After 4 1/2 years of stage IV NSCLC, I am now in the final stages. Just today I made the tentative decision to quit the trial I am in and my doctor is coming to my house tomorrow to discuss end of life decisions. Heather's quest to raise money is so admirable. What a legacy to leave. My sincere sympathy to all her family and friends, especially to Tyler. As I tell my own kids, "You will be OK." Sincerely, Terri Hunziker http://www.mybumpintheroad.com http://www.nonsmokers.com |
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Maryanne & Joel
Wed, May 14, 2008
Miss you my friend. Your funeral was beautiful and that slide show just made me cry more.
Speaking to your wonderful husband Brad and your family and knowing they are comfortable knowing you are finally at peace brought a closure we needed. Heaven received a beautiful gift named Heather Ann (Hebbie) Saler. Rest in peace my friend. Maryanne & Joel |
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Pat Whoriskey
Wed, May 14, 2008
I want to send my sincere condolences to Heather's family. My family and I did the SJ walk for 2 years and raised money for research for this horrible disease. I was so shocked when I read the email from lungevity on Monday morning. Heather was certainly an example to all of us who have suffered with lung cancer and for those families that are supporing love ones.
I will keep Heather's husband, son and her family in my daily prayers. |
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Lorraine Otis
Mon, May 12, 2008
I met Heather, her husband, parents & friends when I began to participate in the SJ lung cancer walk after I lost my husband to the disease. Words cannot express the shock and sadness I felt in hearing of her passing. She accomplished much good in the fight against lung cancer with a beautiful spirit. I do not fully know what a remarkable person, wife, mother and daughter she was but she touched many lives. All she did impacted many people who face lung cancer, and will for the future because of her courage, determination and caring. My heart goes out to her family in deepest sympathy. I will be praying for their comfort. May their faith, family and friends sustain them at this painful time. God bless, Lorraine Otis
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Christina Stout
Mon, May 12, 2008
I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing. Heather was a wonderful person, very instrumental with my sister and I when my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. She was available for email's and my mother, myself and my sister were there for the 1st annual lung cancer walk around Cooper River. That was my mother's only walk since she passed that same year, but Heather set up so much for the memory of those we loss. She will be greatly missed.
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Beth Ida Stern
Mon, May 12, 2008
From the entire LUNGevity family, we are so saddened by Heather's passing. She was a treasured member of our family, having started our very first fundraising walk. She and Brad inspired thousands of people to use their feet (and hearts!) to raise money for research, providing a way for people to have a positive impact on such a negative disease. LUNGevity promises to continue to fight against this disease that has robbed us of so many incredible people like Heather. We will miss her, and be eternally grateful to her enormous effect on us as an organization and as a family.
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Christine B
Mon, May 12, 2008
I'm sorry I didn't know of Heather or her involvement in the community until this announcement, but she sounds like an amazing, one-of-a-kind, and brilliant woman. During the last 8 months, I've leaned heavily on the LCSC community and the LUNGevity foundation to help me cope with my mother's fight against lung cancer. Heather stood for everything that means so much to me. Her example & her story have inspired me to step up and make a difference. My condolences, best wishes, and thanks to her family and friends. I'm certain it was their love and support that helped Heather in her own fight so that she could "carry the load" for others.
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