Meghan’s Journey: The Story of Meghan Redenbach: The Teenage Girl Who Showed a Community How to “Man Up” in the Face of Cancer (24 page)

Team “Man Up”

Luminaria annually displayed at the Lockport Relay for Life

Three of Meghan’s classmates, Danielle Kindron, Delany Douglas, and Kelsey Rising, founded a school-based organization called H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Every day) in Meghan’s memory. The girls and their successors have held an annual talent show and basket raffle which continues to raise money for Meghan’s Fund and cancer related charities.

Pennies for Meghan

Beginning in January of 2011, the local radio station KISS 98.5 held a contest for high schools to collect pennies for Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. Liz Slaughenhaupt began a legendary collection of pennies to honor Meghan. Liz’s brother had survived childhood leukemia and was no stranger to Children’s Hospital and Roswell Park. She recruited a friend from Barker High School, the brother of another cancer survivor, to help. Before long Barker and neighboring school districts were donating pennies on behalf of Roy-Hart in memory of Meghan. Community members were dropping off pennies by the bucketful to the main office of the school. Trucks were being recruited to drive the pennies up to Buffalo. Royalton-Hartland High School went on to win—the announcement being heard over the radio at a dance sponsored by the PTSA, put on just for the occasion.

Each year the East Amherst Volunteer Fire Department honors a member with the President’s Award. This prestigious honor is in recognition of those who demonstrate high levels of courage and dedication. In 2011 it was given posthumously to Meghan Redenbach.

Part Ten: What Meghan Taught Us

“Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

—Stephen Schwarts, “For Good”

M
eghan got her wish. She made a difference. People took things from her life—and they were good things.

Many people from within and outside the community submitted reflections of Meghan. Some are family members, close friends; some are acquaintances, and some had never met Meg at all. These pages are not limited to those who loved her; there are many more who, still after two years, find it too difficult to share their thoughts-or simply wanted to keep them close to their own heart.

Olivia Kelkenberg

Friend and Teammate

When we were in second grade, Meghan and I sat together on our first day of school; we both knew we were meant to be best friends. We both shared the same sense of humor and knew how to make each other laugh without even trying. Meghan and I had so much fun, and we also went through a lot together. One time we left our iPods under a bench thinking no one would steal them. Mr. Redenbach wasn’t too happy about it when they were. We all grow up and change, but Meghan and I always remained close. There was no one I could be myself around as much as I could with Meghan. I will always remember Meghan for being the best friend I ever had. She knew how to make someone feel better about themselves.

Meghan was not one to give up. I remember her as someone so determined to master a skill, even if it took her forever. She was really talented in many of the sports she played, and I was always jealous of how quickly she could pick up something. Meghan was an amazing volleyball player. I had the honor of playing on the same team with Meghan my freshmen and sophomore year. Our coach called us the “Freshmen Connection.” She was the best setter.

I can’t think of anyone who could have handled the situation Meghan was in better than she did. I think sometimes bad things happen to good people, because God knows that they are the ones who can handle it. God must have had a plan, because Meghan was such a strong and kindhearted girl. He must have known that she would live on in so many hearts for years to come.

Meghan will always be close to my heart, no matter what. She helped to make me the person I am today. She showed me what it is like to be blessed with such a special friend.

Paul Zanette

Former hockey player for the Niagara University Men’s Hockey Team

In the short time I knew Meghan I experienced several memories that will stick with me for the rest of my life. The one that stuck out the most for me was when I went to visit Meg in the hospital at a time when she was not doing very well. I can’t say I was surprised at how bright her spirit was and how big of a smile she had on her face, because that’s just who she was. The thing that really got me was as we were about to leave, she grabbed my hand, pulled me in close, and in a serious voice asked me if I could sneak her out of the hospital and take her to volleyball camp. For a girl in her position, to make a request like that just showed how much fire that girl had and how big of a competitor she was.

Knowing Meghan has taught me that you can’t take anything in life for granted. As great as things may be it can all change in the blink of an eye, and we need to appreciate how fortunate we are to be alive and living healthy lives.

Since knowing Meghan I have been committed to giving 100% to everything in my life. You never know when things can change and everything can be taken, so make the most of everything in your life. I didn’t know Meghan for too long, but what I quickly learned was she was a fighter and gave 100% at everything she did. I want people to remember me how I remember Meghan. For people to say I gave everything I had at everything I did. For Meghan to be an inspiration to not only me, but 25 other male hockey players, she had to be pretty special—and I thank God every day for bringing her into my life.

Michael Morris

President / Past Chief East Amherst Fire Department

Meghan was one of those rare persons that we were blessed to be able to say we knew. She truly was amazing, committed to her athletics, her individualism, the East Amherst Fire Department, and most importantly her family. Meghan showed remarkable endurance during the toughest times.

Meghan taught us that we can believe in ourselves, overcome adversity and have passion for the things that we love. She showed us that staying positive and working past life’s roadblocks are very contagious and makes others believe.

Responding to emergencies, we become cold to individual feelings. This 15 year-old young lady has forever changed us and how we help others. We will not let one bad day affect the rest of our lives. We will continue to move forward understanding that life is short. We’re given a period of time (maybe not as long as we would like) to make a positive difference in someone else’s life. Meghan’s life, although short, will have long lasting effects on others, for this we say thank you. This is from all the firefighters at the East Amherst Fire Department.

Jon Howaniec

Family friend

I have been lucky enough to know Meg from the day she was born, so the memories are endless. One thing Meg was great at was telling stories or giving her opinion on something. Everybody knows she had very strong opinions, and that’s what made her who she was. She liked to tease a little, too. I can’t even remember how many times she told me how upset or nervous my mom would get at me for something I did or was about to do, and then seeing Meg laughing at my reaction to that.

I remember her coming to watch my hockey games and then screaming and grasping onto someone’s arm when she thought something bad had just happened. She never missed the opportunity to give her opinion on something, no matter how good or bad. Whenever I made a bad play in the fire department softball game, I heard about it, and so did everyone else. She was never shy when it came to critiquing my play, which I ironically enjoyed hearing from her. Meg’s competiveness, just on the sidelines alone, showed how she was when it came to sports, and it rubbed off on me. Hearing her voice yelling at me across the field or from the stands across the rink is something I missed whenever I was playing and she wasn’t there. You know she was telling the truth, and you best not disagree with her. She knew if you were playing poorly, and when she said it, you listened, because it was usually always right.

Meg has taught lessons not just to me, but to everyone who knew her. It has already been said countless times, but her fight against cancer was truly inspirational, but it can’t be said enough. She was the strongest person I have ever met. Having to go through what she did, seeing just how much she had to go through at her age really is unbelievable. But, if you knew Meg, it actually is quite believable knowing just how strong she was. She wanted to live a normal life even with everything she had to go through, and she actually did live that normal life as much as possible. That is just the person Meg was. Most anybody else would not have been able to do half the things she accomplished, even during her worst days. It didn’t matter how bad a day she was having, if she wanted to do something, nobody was stopping her.

When I think of Meg, I can’t help but remember the words of college basketball coach Jim Valvano. Just months before he passed away from his long battle with cancer he said, “Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.” This is so true, especially after knowing Meg during her fight. My favorite line from that speech and perhaps the most famous is, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.” This fits Meg more than anything. These quotes encompass everything Meg said and did. What these lines are to Jim Valvano, are to Meg’s “Man Up.” When I am facing any challenge if my life, I can’t help but think about Meg saying “Man Up.” Nothing can be worse than what Meg had to go through, no matter how much pain she was in on the inside, she always put on her best face for everyone she saw. It really is amazing how two words can mean so much.

Ann Rossetti

Barbara Thompson

Renee Prizasnuk

The impact of one young girl’s courage can be so powerful….reaching miles away straight into the hearts of strangers who were deep in the enduring pain of losing their own Mother to the cruelty of Ovarian Cancer. Meghan didn’t know us, and we didn’t know her, but hearing of her endless perseverance in her struggle at age 15 was incredibly inspiring.

Indeed, unknowingly, Meghan touched our lives. To this day, we carry gratitude for Meghan’s resilience that helped restore our faith in the power and grace of selfless courage, and for softening our grief as her life reminded us of the gift of strength we receive from loving someone who gives it to you unconditionally and eternally.

Luke Price

Cousin

When I think of Meghan, it makes me think of Family. Always make time for family. Love life. Live life. When someone asks me how I’m doing—I smile and say “I’m loving life.” That’s what Meghan would want us all to do.

Ellen Orr

Family friend

I have to say, whenever Meghan was over, there were sounds of laughter and joy. She was always such a carefree spirit who was looking for fun. Knowing Meghan has taught me to always look on the bright side and know that there is more to life. Enjoy every moment and never stop aiming high.

Seeing the relationship Meghan formed with her friends was very real. She would always stand by friends and family no matter what. Even though they were suffering, she stayed positive throughout and that is a rare gift indeed. I am glad that I had the opportunity to know her and thought of her as family.

Jeanne Murphy

Friend and Teammate of Daughter

I will always remember Meghan’s smile and fierce determination. I will remember the nickname she gave my daughter Molly. I will remember how she pushed herself running track. I will remember how she never gave up and never let anyone see her pain.

Meghan taught me never to give up. She was the prime example of “nothing is too difficult.” Her love for her family, her coach, her friends and her team shined through at every moment. Meghan taught me how to live every day and embrace every moment—the good and the bad.

Meghan has given everyone a reason to live every moment to the fullest. She showed strength even in the times when her body may have felt weak. It amazed me when she came to the volleyball games, unable to play, but to push and support her team. In the short time Meg was here with us, she touched more people in a positive way than most of us will if we live to 100. Meghan was a true gift from God. She is loved and missed every day.

Alexandra Strach

Friend

Knowing Meghan has taught me to keep fighting, and never give up. Even throughout her battle with cancer, she remained hopeful and positive. I hope that I can possess that type of strength and courage throughout my life.

Meghan influenced me to become a stronger, more positive person. These traits made me an overall better person and I owe it all to Meghan.

Kayla May (8
th
grade)

Friend and Neighbor

Meghan and I would play volleyball in her backyard. Meghan would squeeze my cheeks and say “chubby cheeks!” On Thanksgiving I went over to her house and after we ate dinner we played Mad Gab. It was Meghan and me against Nick and Amanda. It was my first time playing. It was hilarious, and we had so much fun!

Knowing Meghan has taught me many things. Don’t be afraid to stick up for yourself. My life will be better for knowing Meghan. I wouldn’t be playing volleyball. I wouldn’t have played the game Mad Gab. I would never have met the brave, courageous, fighting girl who taught me to MAN UP!!

Simmone Talford

Friend and Club Volleyball teammate

The first time I had the volleyball team over my house for a sleepover we had a blast. The entire house was radiating with joy. This was also the first time I heard Meg’s full story and began to cry. That’s when she looked at me and said “Really? Seriously? Quit the blubbering before I hit you!” We all laughed. That’s when I knew she was one strong girl. And that was the moment that my viewpoint on life transformed. Meg taught me that you must take life head on and whatever God throws your way, he has chosen you for a reason, and you must make the best out of the worst. Her slogan “Man Up” always stays with me. Whenever I’m feeling down about something that really isn’t so bad, I just think “Man Up”. When I see or hear someone complaining and acting foolish I get a little bit of Meg’s spicy personality, and I tell them like it is, just as she would. Meg didn’t have time for petty altercations or annoying bratty behavior. Especially on the volleyball court. She played every game like it was her last.

The last time I saw Meg in a volleyball uniform we were on opposite teams. My high school was playing her high school in the Lockport High School Volleyball Tournament. I saw her walk through those gym doors like an athlete. We exchanged hellos, hugs, mini stories, and then she goes “yeah, well I need to go be with my team and prepare for the day before my coach gets mad.” This was when Meg was getting very ill again, and I knew her coach would not yell at her, but I admired the fact that even though she wasn’t feeling too great, she gave her all to her team.

We were finally about to play each other, and I looked across the net, and I saw her describing my play to her team and what to look out for. It was game time, and Meg was my competition. So I told my team what to look out for from Meg. I knew she would be extremely ticked off if I told my team to be careful, so I said “she’s tough, she’s quick, and she’s a player”. Meg came in the game, and I grinned from ear to ear. She got a great pass, and she set Bridget up and they won that point. I turned to my team and said “pick it up – let’s go”. The next play we sent over a ball, and Meg was on the ground there to get the dig. From that moment on, I stepped my volleyball game up, because I needed to play with the same determined drive that Meg played with. She was giving her all, not being afraid to do anything to continuously get the ball back.