Today, Lonna is home. Hospice is now in charge of my sister's care. She is on a pain pump and is pretty loopy.
In order to prepare everyone, Lonna most likely will not be with us too much longer. Please pray for her daughter and our family as we stand by my sister in her final days with us.
Love, Vicky
In December 2007, Lonna had hysterectomy and shortly afterward became ill with what the doctors believe was pneumonia and then MAC disease. With further tissue samples and testing she was diagnosed on May 9th with lung cancer. Three days later, she was admitted into the hospital with stage 4 Malignant Adeno Carcinoma. The doctors feel that chemotherapy is the only way to slow down this aggressive, fast-growing cancer.
The family is still holding on to the fact that there are miracles that happen every day. We are all fervently praying that Lonna Dee Keeth will be God's next miracle. This cancer has gripped her so unbelievably fast. On May 14th, the doctor put a medaport in Lonna's chest for her impending chemo therapy treatment. They no longer got Lonna out of surgery before the doctors wheeled her right back in for emergency surgery. Her lungs and her heart had life threatening fluid build up that had to be removed. On May 15th and 16th she layed in ICU starting to recover. At 10pm on the May 16th she had her first dose of chemo.
Today, May 17th, is a new day and we still have Lonna with us. Lonna is going to fight! Please fight with us! We need more angels like Lonna to continue walking amongst us. Lonna has a 12 year daughter named Halle Keeth, she is so beautiful just like her mother. Some of you might remember her from our inflight training video, she was the little unaccompanied minor that looked up at the flight attendant and had that one line, (don't talk to my mom that way), but she did say it perfectly. Most of Lonna's family are Continental employees in one facet or another. Her mother, Sandra Hayes, is a HTA flight attendant and her stepfather Dennis Baraga (Buzz) is in reservations. Lonna's Aunt Janet Shelton is a flight attendant and her Uncle Rob Shelton is a pilot.
From the beginning Continental Airlines has been so supportive to our entire family, we will forever be so grateful for all their kindness. Lonna has so many dear friends who are praying for her, loving her, and missing her. The family is asking all of you to please hold Lonnna Dee Keeth up in your prayers. People all over the world are praying for Lonna right now please join us in our prayers. Through this blog we will try to keep everyone updated frequently as we all go through this uncharted journey.
The family is still holding on to the fact that there are miracles that happen every day. We are all fervently praying that Lonna Dee Keeth will be God's next miracle. This cancer has gripped her so unbelievably fast. On May 14th, the doctor put a medaport in Lonna's chest for her impending chemo therapy treatment. They no longer got Lonna out of surgery before the doctors wheeled her right back in for emergency surgery. Her lungs and her heart had life threatening fluid build up that had to be removed. On May 15th and 16th she layed in ICU starting to recover. At 10pm on the May 16th she had her first dose of chemo.
Today, May 17th, is a new day and we still have Lonna with us. Lonna is going to fight! Please fight with us! We need more angels like Lonna to continue walking amongst us. Lonna has a 12 year daughter named Halle Keeth, she is so beautiful just like her mother. Some of you might remember her from our inflight training video, she was the little unaccompanied minor that looked up at the flight attendant and had that one line, (don't talk to my mom that way), but she did say it perfectly. Most of Lonna's family are Continental employees in one facet or another. Her mother, Sandra Hayes, is a HTA flight attendant and her stepfather Dennis Baraga (Buzz) is in reservations. Lonna's Aunt Janet Shelton is a flight attendant and her Uncle Rob Shelton is a pilot.
From the beginning Continental Airlines has been so supportive to our entire family, we will forever be so grateful for all their kindness. Lonna has so many dear friends who are praying for her, loving her, and missing her. The family is asking all of you to please hold Lonnna Dee Keeth up in your prayers. People all over the world are praying for Lonna right now please join us in our prayers. Through this blog we will try to keep everyone updated frequently as we all go through this uncharted journey.
Mother and Daughter
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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52 comments:
Lonna - Please know that we are all still praying for you and your family. I wish you nothing but peace and love at this time.
when I was at the place your family is with my grandmother God lead me to this beautiful verse...."Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it." "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." My prayers are with you, Betsy (Brunner) Ishihara.
Lonna and family .... this is hard to take . I pray for you all daily . I will pray always and wish you all the best . Peace be with you ..... judy and family
Lonna, I don't know you but I've flown with your mom and aunt many times. They always have talked about you and I could always tell how proud of you they are. They always talked about what a good mother you are. You are your daughter are the light of their life. I'm sorry you are going through this but please know you are very very loved. You and your family are in my prayers.
the prayers are still with you and your family.
EWR Base
Halle you are in my thoughts and prayers, as well as your whole family. Know that you will have a guardian angel always looking over you.
God bless all of you. What a comfort that your have the family you do.
Lonna, God Bless.
Michelle Merrill
Lonna,
You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. I cannot imagine what you must be feeling at this time, but I am still thanking God for healing you; no one knows who or when He chooses to heal. Please don't give up. There are so many who love you and continue to lift you up in prayer. May God restore your health and give you strength, peace and comfort. I ask in Jesus' name that all cancer cells in your body miraculously disappear, the extra fluid around your heart and lungs dissipate and your organs function normally!
(Psalm 103:3 KJV)Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
(Isaiah 53:5 KJV)
But he {was} wounded for our transgressions, {he was} bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace {was} upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
I love you, your sister in Christ. Helen
Lonna's family,
Please know that many people are praying for you and Lonna. I think of her everyday. Peace be with you all, Beth Fortner-Rodgers IAH FA
Lonna,
My heart is breaking to see you go through this. You are such an amazing person. I'm so glad our pregnancies brought us together. We will always have that bond and so will the girls. I will continue to pray for you and Halle. I love you so much.
Michele
My heart and soul are with you all and I wish there was something I could do to help. You are all in my thoughts and prayers daily.
God Bless you all,
Julie Thoeny
Lonna,
You truly are in my thoughts and prayers all day and night. And my parents (both cancer battlers) continue to pray for you twice a day. We pray for your body to strengthen and heal, for you to enjoy quality time with Halle and your family, and for you to experience peace and comfort.
We love you!!! MT
Dear Lonna and Family,
Please know how much of an impact you have made to us all in your sweet life. God love you and your dear family.
Love Cilka and family.
The road seems shorter than we had hoped but we are continually asking God for the miracle that only He can provide. God will heal you, sweet Lonna -- whether on this earth or in the Eternal Kingdom. You are such a blessing to me and ALL those who have known you and cared for you. Halle, you are a treasure to so many of us. All you have to do is ask and we will be there for you. You have been given so many gifts -- a gift of a wonderful mother, a very strong grandmother, fabulously dedicated extended family and a group of your Mom's friends who will do whatever possible to support you and your family to the end of our days. I love each and every one of you. Lonna, you should be soooo proud! The end may be near on this earth but we will be only temporarily separated from you. His kingdom lives forever. Should the miracle be granted that we wish and pray for, let us be able to know how much friends mean, how much coworkers mean, and how powerful goodness is in this life. A celebration is prepared REGARDLESS!! Peace be with each and every one of you who love Lonna, Halle and her family.
Deb and Tony
Dear Lonna and Family,
It can be so hard to understand the anguish of this life, because we don't yet fully know the joy of the next. Faith, sweet faith, keeps hope alive. Your body may be failing yet your soul is strong. The Lord has prepared a place for you, Lonna. On one hand, I don't want you to go, because I don't want your family to hurt, but I know you must go when He calls you. With the Lord in my heart I will get through this grief and rejoice knowing you are with Him! I know the day will come when I can be with you and all those I have lost again; let that thought alone sustain us all. May your final days be pain free and peaceful. God bless you and your wonderful family.
Betty, Jenna, and Hailey
Lonna and Family,
What an amazing Family you are! The love you all share is what many could only wish for. We don't know why something like this happens, and it never seems fair, but there must be a reason. Enjoy the moments together now, and the memories you have will last a lifetime. We will continue to hope and pray for a miracle. Halle, be strong, you have many Family and friends here for you always. God bless, Shawnna Moore and Family
Hallie
All of us here in Cleveland at the Dance Studio are praying for you and your family. This is a difficult time for you and we all think about you every minute of every stretch, bend and turn we do in our classes.
Missy Drapac-Novotny & Family
The Son of Righteousness shall rise with healing in His wings....and you will go free, leaping with joy... (Malachi4:2)
Our prayers are with Lonna and for her daughter, Sandra and the entire family. May God's peace, love and joy abundantly fill this house. In the Amazing, Wonderful Name of Jesus. Amen.
From: Cheryl
Patient Support at SJMC
www.doctorofhope.com
Lonna and Family,
I think of you everyday and what you must all be feeling right now. I pray you find comfort and strength through Him.
Chris A.
Lonna we only met a few times, I have followed your journey daily. I pray that you find peace and comfort. God bless you and your family.
Denise L
Lonna,
God has truly blessed us with you; you have been an angel on this earth and the epitome of love, care, sweetness and everything a woman and mother should be. We are all so fortunate to know you.
Even though you have been like "our little sister" for the nearly 30 years we have know you, you have been an inspiration that we have also "looked up" to.
God will take care of you and comfort you. My prayers are abundant for your peace and comfort.
Love always,
Camille Jesmont
My thoughts and prayers are with you Lonna and your family. You are the strongest person I have ever known, and I am so proud of what you've accomplished. Halle is in good hands, and is loved and cared for by so many. I love you and pray for you every day.
Hillary
Halle-
What you are having to go thru is horrible and no child should have to go thru it. God knows all and knows best even when we dont know why. To the rest of the family...my prayers are with you all and please know that. Also, in case you are interested I was told that there is a website that will take your blog and all of its contents (including comments, etc) and make it into a book..you could do that with this blog as a rememberance for Halle and all of you. Praying peace and comfort for your entire family.
Dear Lonna,
I pray for you to be free of pain and at peace. Although Hospice is sad, they truly are caring and trained individuals who will help you and your family at this very difficult time. I pray for you and your family daily. Patty Saclyn
Lonna -
It's been 30 years since I saw Vicky every day in Sonora High's marching band, and you every so often around school - a beautiful, brilliant ray of sunshine in our angst-ridden teenage lives. When Colin told me he still kept in touch with you, and asked if I remembered who you were, I said, "No one could ever forget that smile." I see you haven't lost it.
God Bless you.
Pat Olguin - SHS Class of '78
You are His
You are safe
You are loved
Matthew 11:28-30
He will give you rest
In Christian Love
Only the Lord knows when he will call his child home. May you and your family find peace in His name through this difficult time. We pray daily for you and your family and feel blessed that we have known the wonderful person that you are Lonna and for Halle as well. May God bless you all, The Olinger Family
Lonna and Family,
I have checked your web site daily, always praying and thinking of you all. I will continue to pray for healing, comfort and peace for you.
Lisa Lalkowski
Lonna,
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
and live!
We love you all,
Bill and Paula Stringer
Lonna, Sandy, Janet,
You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We are better people for having had the opportunity to know and work with each of you. We wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
The CLE Flight Attendants
Lonna--
I have been thinking of you and praying every day since the beginning of this whole ordeal and I hope you realize how much you are on our minds. You and Halle have touched my family in so many ways and there has been a giant void here in Cleveland since you moved away.
I visit this board every day (sometimes multiple times in one day) and I've never known what to say. But today I wanted to share something light-hearted with you and the rest of those that love you. I went to Panera for breakfast and when asked for my name for the order, I gave them a fake name of "Penelope." Then a giant smile came over my face -- that was your little trick on our weekly visits to Panera and it always made me laugh! Somehow I felt you standing right there with me in line, waiting for your chicken and wild rice soup!
I remember so many silly little times like that and they will always be imbedded in my mind. It's hard to imagine you so far away from here, enduring what you have had to in the last few months. I only wish we lived closer so I could have been some help.
For now, I wish you peace and comfort, and I will continue praying for you and your family. Please know that you and Halle will forever be in our hearts.
Love you, Susan, Brett and family
Lonna, Since the first day I learned of your plight you have been in my thoughts and prayers, as has your daughter and family. You are well loved and are so special..so strong and so sweet. I will continue to pray for you all. Be safe, happy and warm in God's love.
Aleena (Corona) Anderson
Lonna,
You know--even though I have not seen you in a few years. I still hear your voice, I can see you tilt your head esp. when you don't :) agree, I hear your quick wonderful comments, your laughter, I even see you playing with your hair-LOL and I can see your face so clearly. Actually, I can just picture you reading your blog too. :)I believe God gives us this special ability. Be Not Afraid.
You are so beautiful, loving, intelligent and have so much grace. You have taught Halle well and she has those same gifts.
Lonna, you have exhibited God first and true commandment--To Love One Another. Thank You!
God, I ask you to bless us with another miracle for our Beautiful Lonna in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior.
Rest and may Our Dear Lord comfort you in your pain and guide you to where HE needs you to be.
May His Hands and Light Shine Upon You.
We all love you Lonna and I Love You too.
Debbie Varcho X O
Sandy, Halle and Family,
I can not begin to understand your feelings.
Yet, I ask God to guide you all--in love, comfort, acceptance and peace.
I am praying constantly for Our Lord
to bring her peace and health.
Love, Debbie varcho
Lonna and Family,
You are all in our prayers and continuously on our minds. We pray most of all for healing but also for comfort, strength and peace at this very difficult time.
I am thankful for the opportunity to know Lonna and know what a beautiful person she truley is.
Our family continues to pray for your family.
Kerri
Dear Lonna and family,
I am a friend of Algy and I have been reading your daily blogs ever since I heard of your story. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. I am so sorry for all you are going thru. I wish you all strength and peace and may Lonna have nothing but peace and love and I pray for her to feel no pain.
Dearest Lonna,
With all the love and faithfulness that we can draw upon, we send you peace. May your journey be as beautiful as we have been promised. Until we are together again... May He give us the strength to carry out your dreams for Halle and support for your beautiful family. You are always with us.
In His name we pray.
Lonna,
You were always the one who knew the right things to say. My thoughts have been coming out in two of my favorite songs. I long to sing them to you but will settle in sharing the lyrics with you.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
And be gracious unto you
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord lift His countenance upon you
And give you peace, and give you peace;
And give you peace, and give you peace
Love Michele
This song has helped me through this summer of uncertainty, sadness, excitement... May the words bring you comfort if you haven't already heard the musical version... Deb
Praise You In This Storm
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
- Casting Crowns
My love and prayers are with all of you at this time...Sandy, you are in my heart and prayers and may God bless you and be with all of your wonderful family. Claudia Morrison
Lonna and family....please know that there are so many people praying for you and Gods healing. I think of Lonna and can hear her voice and stories in the cle crew room and that makes me laugh.I believe in Gods healing and faith he is by your side . Lori Dawson
We may never understand God's will or purpose but rest assured that whatever happens, Lonna can boldly declare: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day..." (2 Timothy 4;7-8) Lonna, YOU HAVE OVERCOME!!!!
I continually pray for your miracle healing but I am also blessed by knowing that the many seeds you have planted in your earthly life will bear a bountiful harvest no matter what: a beautiful intelligent daughter who will grow up strong and independent-- someone who will inherit your fighting spirit and who no-doubt herself will be a wonderful mother always remembering the type of mother you ARE to her; friends whose days were a little brighter having had you as their ally and who from now on will have the capacity to love each other that much more because of the selfless love you modeled for us; and many many more seeds most of us will maybe never know about.
Lonna, as we go through this uncertainty I stay still and know He is God-- remember our battle over worry and anxiety? :) I stand with you and your family on the solid rock and believe-- "I will trust Him at all times. He has delivered me from ALL FEARS. He has set my feet upon a rock. I will not be moved and I'll say of the Lord- YOU ARE MY SHIELD, MY STRENGTH, MY PORTION, DELIVERER, MY SHELTER, STRONG TOWER, MY VERY PRESENT HELP IN TIME OF NEED!!"
Lonna whether we reunite to celebrate your recovery or reunite to celebrate the Kingdom of Heaven I love you dearly and thank you immensley for your support, your example, and your unconditional friendship!
Tony Aquino
Song "Made Me Glad" by Hillsong United
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouMumEs7cVQ&feature=related
Sis and Halle,
Dad,myself and the rest of your family in Seattle love you. I know it was brief but I am so glad we got to spend some together a few weeks ago.
We love you
Your Bro,
Dustin
Lonna,
This is Lisa you nurse from ICU/Memorial Hermann. I just wanted to let you, your family and friends know that I am thinking of you.
Your kindness and caring ways showed through even during your sickest times.
Thank you for touching our hearts and helping us remember why we are nurses.
Sincerely,
Lisa Valenzon
Vicky,
I just wanted you to know that I have been praying for your beautiful sister, Lonna. May she find peace knowing that she is loved and cared for by wonderful friends and family. God Bless her beautiful daughter.
Your friend,
Judy Nettel
My heart sunk when I read the latest on Lona. Even though I never really knew you...I knew who you were and how much people loved and cared for you. I can see it in the words that are sent to your heart from other hearts. You must be an angel...and I know God will give you wings. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family, and God bless you all. Karla Gee
Sandy- We are praying for Lonna to be strong and get healed so she may have a lifetime of happiness with Halle. Words can't express how we feel Charisse and Joe Salamone
Dear Beloved Lonna, I wish above all things for you to be in good health. Praise the Lord and Praise His Name forever and ever. Praise the Lord, for the Grace of our God is great and the Mercy of the Lord endureth. Praise the Lord and Praise His Name forever and ever more. There is Power in His Name and all power and authority over all sickness and disease has been given to us. In His name and by His stripes we were healed. Rise and be healed forever more. His Grace is sufficient for thee. Come Holy Spirit and comfort my sister.
Yours in helping save lives,
Cheryl
Sweet Lonna and Family
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be torched and blown.
Walk on
Walk on with hope in your heart
And you will never walk alone
You will never ever walk alone.
May God keep you in his constant care,
Love,
Jack and Laura Gaylord
I am holding you in my heart...
DPM
My Dearest Lonna:
You are in God's hands and in my heart..its just like you to be in two places at the same time! When I recruited with you in Houston, you and Halle invited me to stay in your home. I went in as a friend and came out as family. It's not often that we bond with someone so quickly in such a short time. But with you, I was immediately captivated by your quick wit and free spirit. It was inevitable that we would connect and become friends.
Every so often, God bestows upon the world a UNIVERSAL ANGEL: Someone who can bring thousands of people together in prayer, teach us to put life first and savor the day...and most importantly...enjoy tuna sandwiches with sweet pickles by the lake!
My Dearest Lonna..thank you for being our UNIVERSAL ANGEL.
Be in Peace....I love you
Kimberly
god must want her more than we need her.....my thoughts and prayers are with you daily..susan beck
just thinking of you and halle bugs i miss you love always
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