Earlier today, we lost our precious friend and coworker – and your beloved morning radio friend. For the last decade, she battled cancer with the most amazing courage and spirit. Eventually, her physical form was no match for the disease, but her will to live a rich life – filled with fun and laughter, never yielded. With the help of prayers, hugs, and medicine, she managed to find hope at every turn – through every hill and valley of her long struggle.
We choose to avoid assigning human qualities to cancer…as if it was capable of engaging in a battle of wills with our special friend…as if it had the intention to diminish the amazing human spirit we witnessed every day with her. Pam’s body may have failed, but her humanity and capability to love, in the face of diminishing odds never changed. She was fierce and a fighter – when most of us would have curled up in the corner. It is both a miracle and a lesson for each of us. Even when we spent some time with her in her final hours, she laughed, she cried, she talked about her wonderful daughter, her special family and all of the friends she loved. She even came up with a few signature quips that made her so clever and special on the radio! But, most importantly, her strong faith was a shining light for us in those final difficult moments with her.
As you mourn her loss with us, please know she was comfortable and pain-free in her final days with her family at her side, and with the amazing care of hospice professionals. Also, know that she LOVED being on the radio and sharing her story with you. After all these years on our morning show, we wonder – how many cancer survivors gained strength from Pam’s story? How many lives were extended or saved after she urged listeners to get mammograms? How many family members and friends of survivors were inspired to support their cancer warriors? How much money was raised for testing and research because of Pam’s commitment to life?
We think Pam would want us all to continue her work, to tell her story and to keep love, hope, and laughter at the heart of living.
On behalf of our radio family, thank you for your love and support.
Listen to the Pam tribute show, first aired on Monday, July 31:
Pam’s final breaks on 93.3 KIOA, April 2017:
Pam in pictures
Share your thoughts and memories of Pam on our Facebook page.
