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.

Mother and Daughter

Mother and Daughter

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Thank you

God saw her getting tired, a cure not meant to be, so he put his arms around her, and whispered .....Come with me.

Lonna's memorial was so lovely thanks to all the loved ones that came to say good-bye. Thank you one and all. To know how she touched everyone's lives is such a joy. She was truly a blessing not only to me and her family members but to all. The pain of losing her is softened by the knowledge that she waits for us.

When I think of her, I see her beautiful smile and hear her laughter. I miss her so terribly, I miss knowing I can pick up the phone and have a quick chat anytime of day, I miss the secrets mother and daughters share, I miss standing next to her in church, I miss our running errands together.... she was my daughter and best friend. She has given me the most endearing gift anyone possibly could. A part of her, that lives on in our beautiful Halle.

Thank you I will try to keep you updated on Halle and out adventures together.
I'm sure there will be many.
Love to all,
Sandy

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sandy,
I am so sorry I wasn't able to make it to the memorial. I was in Houston on some sit time and I had thought about trying to shoot over. Just wasn't possible. I want to thank you once again, for letting us all take this journey with you. Though I personally didn't know Lonna that well, I feel like I do now. Thank you so much and please keep us posted on Halle. I wish I could wrap my arms around her and make it all better. Lots of love, Shawnna Moore

Anonymous said...

Sandy, you are an amazing woman. We are all so thankful that we could be along with your family on this journey through this blog. Lonna is in my mind and heart each day and the prayers will never cease for what you already have gone through and for the adventure ahead. Lonna is proud of us all for how we have strengthened each other. The memorial was beautiful and such a loving tribute. It marks a beginning to the promises we all made to you, Halle and your daughter this summer.

On a lighter note, Lonna and I both LOVED sweet pickles, often sharing the hot and spicy ones at lunch in the training center. I can honestly say I will never eat another one without first thinking of her and sharing a laugh. I can already feel my sad tears becoming happy ones! Here's to Lonna and sweet pickles!

Love you all,
Deb

Anonymous said...

Sandy,
I so wanted to be there with you and I was there in spirit. I think you know----I have been off of work on my own medical journey.

You have a awesome journey ahead of you with Halle --yes, a gift to you.
Enjoy her laughter, her love, her strength and the gifts she gives to this world through Lonna.
I think of Lonna everyday and I still continue my prayers for all.

God Bless You for loving her and being there for her to grow with.
May you grow with her and May God bring a New type Love--- for you both..

Love, Deb Varcho

Anonymous said...

Dear Sandy:

I think about you everyday and pray that God will give you comfort. I know you have that same hole in your heart that I do, that piece missing. The service was so beautiful, just like you. The most amazing pictures of Lon and her incredible beauty, even in her last days. Those images will stay with me forever. Lon was beautiful inside and out which is a tribute to you as a parent. You will always have Lonna with you through Halle who is so much like her mother. Karen and I made a promise to each other - once a year we will take Halle and Sara on a trip somewhere just like Lon and Vicky were going to do - we are now Aunt Karen and Aunt Vickie!

Much love always,
Vickie

Anonymous said...

Dear Sandy,
I admire your grace, strength and faith. Thank you for bringing into this world such a beautiful, loving person and dear friend. After finally getting to know you, i realize where she got it from. Recent memories help my saddened heart.You and Halle are in my prayers and thoughts with every waking moment. Can't wait to see you again. I love you both so very much.
All My Aloha,
Shelley XOXOXOXO

Anonymous said...

All Souls Day follows All Saints Day, and commemorates the faithful departed, those who die in God's faith and friendship.

Sheppard me oh God beyond my wants, beyond my fears from death into life.

God Bless you Sandy, Halle
and your families.

Lonna is remember today in much love, grace and peace.

Anonymous said...

Sandy,
Praying for you, Halle and your family this Christmas season. I know it must be difficult. God bless you.

Anonymous said...

Hi .... Just wanted you all to know I was thinking of you family this Holiday Season. Hope you are all well. Judy

Anonymous said...

continued prayers, continued thoughts, and love

Anonymous said...

I am thinking of all on Valentines Day weekend. Much love to you-Sandy, Halle, Janet, Vicki.

Anonymous said...

I was thinking of Lonna all day today. She must have been watching over me. I think she is one of the most wonderful women I ever have had the honor to have known.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sandy and Halle,

My name is Victoria DehMalo and my daughter Gabriella and Halle knew each other when Halle an Lonna lived in Bay Village. I only just found out that Lonna past away last year. I can't not express to you how sorry I am for your loss. Lonna was a lovely woman and I feel extremely fortunate that her and I were able to get to know each other. I really loved going to jazzercise with her. Lonna was truly one of the most beautiful women I have ever known. Our loss is heaven's gain. My prayers to you and Halle always.

Unknown said...

Lonna,
Still thinking of you.
You can still bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye.
Love and miss you.
Ty