Authors: Meghan Redenbach
Knowing Meghan has taught me to live each day to the fullest, because you never know when a curve ball can show up at any time and at any age. If by chance, should I meet someone with Meghan’s character it will be a true blessing.
To not have her here today hurts, but I know that she’s watching over me and all those people that were fortunate to know her.
John Ellegate
Friend
I recall one time when we brought cut up fruit to a tournament at the Lockport High School for the team. Meghan was so excited. She said she loved fruit as she reached for a piece, it fell on the bench in front of her. She reached down to pick it back up (3 second rule) Mike saw this and said no to Meghan. She knew better, she had just come back from another round of treatments, but she just wanted to be her old self, not a porcelain doll on the mend. She approached everything that way. She didn’t look for special treatment and continued to get excited about the simple pleasures of life. We can all learn from that; just carry on, day by day, enjoy and appreciate the day that God has given you…
From everything I have heard about Meghan’s journey through those difficult times, I feel absolutely certain she embraced the trials of those tough times by walking hand in hand with Jesus as her guide. I have never met a person with such grace and courage. She selflessly put everyone else’s concerns and feelings ahead of her own. She kept true to God’s command to “Fear not, for I am with you.” I cannot imagine anyone, let alone a girl just going into those tough, emotional high school years, keeping such a positive face forward for the collective benefit of those around her. Her SMILE and enthusiasm overcame and taught us all what grace and courage was all about.
Please keep in mind that my passionate admiration for this remarkable young lady was born during just two years of being occasionally there at her games, watching teammates who truly adored their friendships and team spirit with her. Throughout her journey, she collectively found a way to lift everyone up in the process. What I learned most, is that we all need to be more like Meghan, less consumed by our own plight, more aware of and interested in those around us. My life has been greatly enriched by knowing Meghan. I have shared her story everywhere I go, as proof positive of the miraculous lives and love that God gives us. I will always remember her smile and her song…
Brian Warren
Friend
Somehow Meghan made it seem like me having diabetes was just as bad as her having cancer. This is something I never understood; clearly Meghan had it worse than I did with all of the treatments she had, and just everything that comes along with cancer. But she always had that attitude of “it can always be worse.”
As time went on and Meghan continued to battle through everything – from officially being cancer free to being diagnosed again—when it seemed like anyone else would give up, she wouldn’t. A few days before the end of Meghan’s great life, Nick, our girlfriends, and I went to visit Meghan in the hospital. This was a few hours after she led everybody in “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” I remember walking into her room and she was asleep. We all sat there for a bit while Mr. Redenbach told us about what happened earlier that day. Suddenly Meghan woke up with this big smile on her face excited to see Nick. After we all received our hugs from her she fell right back to sleep and we went back to talking to Mr. Redenbach. She woke periodically while we were there to talk for a few minutes, then back to sleep she went. One of the times she woke up she wanted some water, so Mr. Redenbach grabbed her cup and was trying to help her. She was exhausted and couldn’t stay awake, as weak as someone could be, yet she didn’t want help getting a drink of water because that’s just who she was.
She refused to let people feel sorry for her, she didn’t want to be considered special just because of what she had. She always kept her spirits up, no matter what was happening. This is also something I have learned to use in my life. I’ve tried to make the situation I’ve been given into something positive. To me diabetes has become something I kid about; this is something God has graced me with, and there is nothing I can do about it. It’s not something serious that you can let affect your spirits. I’ve tried to promote this idea with other people, and even my friends have learned to tease me about it. Anywhere we go there is always some joke being muttered about how I’ve got diabetes; I would much rather have it be something fun that everyone can joke about rather than something everyone fears to mention. This is what Meghan taught me in all of those conversations we had. You can’t let something atrocious like cancer or diabetes negatively affect your entire life. You have to look at it positively. The more you surround yourself with positive things, versus negative things, the happier you will be in the end.
Donna Czaja
I personally didn’t know Meghan. I got to know Meghan through my son Ryan and through one of Meghan’s great friends, Danielle Kindron. I heard of her courage and for her zest for life and this made me even more invested in this fight. This fifteen year old was making a difference even in her short time here on earth. I heard of many stories and one in particular I remember clearly—volleyball—volleyball was a huge part of her life and how she came to games to cheer on her team mates even going through chemo. What dedication to others!!
She inspired many and she also touched me and my family. I am very involved in the Relay for Life in Lockport, and at that time I was just appointed the Luminaria Chair. I thought what a better way to honor and remember such a great kid than to create a huge Luminaria in her honor. (A luminaria is a bag decorated in memory or in honor of a loved one who is fighting or lost their fight to cancer. Inside the luminaria is a candle which is lit during the Luminaria ceremony at the Relay.)
Meghan’s luminaria was created December 2010 and has been at every Kick-off and Relay since and will continue to be a part of this great event. I only hope I can make as big an impact as Meghan has. She is one of the reasons I do what I do. She touched and inspired so many and it continues year after year. I truly believe they are all looking down and smiling. I know without a doubt we will find a cure, and because of Meghan it wouldn’t surprise me if one of her classmates was the one to make that discovery.
“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
Lynn Budziszewski
Teacher
When I first met Meghan, she was at her home waiting for me to bring her some schoolwork. I wasn’t sure what to expect, because I had only heard about this young girl who was unable to attend school on a daily basis because of her chemo treatments. Who I met when I first saw her, was this spunky and feisty teenager who was determined to go to school whenever she felt well enough. We often spent our sessions talking about many other topics besides school. She was determined to keep up with her schoolwork, so that she could move ahead with her classmates. When Meg returned to school in 9
th
grade, she was excited to be in high school. I loved the way she advocated for herself and how she was able to
say it like it was.
Meghan taught me to be thankful for the little things in life and to pay attention to the people in my life who mean the most to me. As I watched her live her life to the fullest, even on her toughest days, I realized that I was wasting much of the blessings I had been given.
Knowing Meghan has given me a much different outlook on life. I wake up every day wondering how I might be able to make a difference for someone today and I try to model for my students the importance of working towards a goal without giving up, even when it seems impossible.
Ashley Brotherton
Friend and Club Volleyball Teammate
Meghan has taught me that life is short, and every moment should be embraced as a new opportunity, not just a pain in the butt. She taught me to look fear in the eyes and fight. Meghan’s had one of the most contagious attitudes, and she was always so positive in the toughest of situations, something I highly admire. Meghan has taught me to love everyone and to stay strong even though everything seems like it is falling apart right before your eyes. No challenge is ever insurmountable and isn’t something that should be given up on; everything deserves a true battle. Meghan always had a smile on her face and modeled that; it is always important and infectious when you share your smile.
Although I wasn’t around Meghan much and didn’t get a chance to talk to her as often as I would have liked, Meghan always will have a special place in my heart. She has inspired me to live one day at a time and embrace every opportunity I get without fear. Meghan has inspired me to study to become a pediatric oncologist to help children like Meghan, and to have them and their families know that I am going to do everything in my power to help them. She also taught me to stand a little taller, fight a little harder, love a little more, and love the life you live and the people in it; never take one second for granted. Meghan will always hold a special place in my heart and her legacy will live on, not just through me but through the many people’s lives that she touched.
Jessica Bieniek
Friend and Teammate
Meghan and I played recreational softball together for three years. She was an amazing player and always supported our team through any win or loss. She came to play and always had her game face on. Meghan showed our team how to never give up and to fight to the end, just like her.
My life will always be impacted by Meghan. She was such a fun-loving, inspiring young woman. She never walked away from a challenge and never backed down. When the going got tough, Meghan got tougher. Meghan inspired me to be the person I am today and to never give up on myself, and to continue my own fight. She’s become an inspiration to everyone who had the opportunity to get to know her or to hear her story.
Colleen Albee
Meg’s High School Counselor / Family Friend
The first day of high school, Meg showed up to my office to introduce herself to me… she said she figured I would know her and she thought we should get to know each other a little… she knew she would be in and out of school, so she wanted to make sure I would help her with that. Her smile and her courage were instantly contagious.
Having the chance to know Meg has taught me that determination and passion are two very treasured gifts. These are gifts that many people, young and old, take for granted. Witnessing Meg’s will to fight and her strength has changed that; these gifts cannot be overlooked. Passion cannot be taught—it has to be within—our students and especially our athletes have learned that from Meghan’s journey.
I am blessed for having a small piece of Meghan in my life, in the short time I had to know her. Her name is spoken often in our home by my three young children. We remember her; we think about her and treasure our time together each day because of Meghan’s memory. She has left a legacy of courage and passion and will always be remembered by me, my family, our school, and our community.
Dan and Debbie Howaniec
Family Friend and Godparents to Meghan
We were given the most incredible gift from Meghan’s parents when they asked us to be her godparents. Who would have thought that the saying “love at first sight” meant exactly that? Holding a precious little girl in my arms the day after she was born…she had us at that moment. We took this responsibility very seriously and loved her as if she were our own child.
Then we got the call that Meghan was in the hospital—a call that changed everyone’s life forever. In the two years that she was sick, she showed everyone what strength and courage truly were. There is not a day that goes by that we don’t think of her. That great smile…the positive attitude…she will always be a part of everything we do.
Meghan has taught us the meaning of strength and courage to get past each obstacle one day at a time.
The Ackenborfs, Mike’s Cousins
Judith and David Goodlander, Mike’s Aunt and Uncle
While many thoughts come to mind about Meghan, we believe that these words truly capture her spirit:
Meghan
Strong, Determined
Positive, Energetic, Athletic
Happy, Funny, Beautiful
Not to be forgotten
Meghan
Knowing Meghan has taught us that positive attitudes and supportive, loving families mean the most. We have learned that each day is a gift, and you must live it to the fullest.
Kaeli Orr
Friend
Meghan taught me how it is okay to act ridiculous and just have fun. She was never concerned about what other people thought of her or her actions. She did what she wanted to do; she was a free spirit that way.
Meghan has forever changed my life by teaching me that no matter how tough life can be, be grateful because it could be ten times worse. I try every day to just live in the moment and have fun with it just as she always did. If I had never met Meghan I would not be as tough skinned as I am today; I have learned to not allow others’ judgments define me as a person. Meghan has been an inspiration to me to be a better person and encourage others to stay strong in their times of difficulty. Meghan was a true trooper throughout her whole battle. In my eyes and heart she won. She never lost one ounce of courage the whole time, and that’s what makes her story so unique. Meghan is a true champion for the love and joy she spread to everyone who ever met her. Her competitive drive gave her the ability to fight her battle. I will always love and remember Meghan as a girl who would “man up” and conquer all her struggles, no matter how hard.
Rich and Michelle Jennings
Family Friend, Teacher, Coach
When we got back from the Ride for Roswell, we went with Meg to go venture around the booths to see what was going on. At one of the booths, they were giving out little prizes. We looked around and we came to a panda puzzle and when we asked for it, the guy who was running the booth told us that the puzzle was pretty much impossible, and that he had been trying all day and that everyone else who had attempted it, failed. Meg gave him one of her famous looks and said “That’s because everyone else isn’t us”. We grabbed the panda puzzle and headed back to our tent to attempt it. After a little bit, we had put together that thing that was supposed to be impossible. Needless to say, we were all pumped, and Meg’s determination and tenacity proved yet again to be amazing.