Imagine the wonders a high school literature teachers observes when reading student essays, sometimes encountering wisdom far beyond the years of the author. In her essay, City High student, Michelle Smith wrote, “I’m not one of those people waiting to live their life, I’m living the exact life I want to live. I’m not dying from a tumor, I’m living with one.”
Michelle described herself “as normal as any PE-dodging 16-year-old teenage girl.” Humble for a young woman who was a straight A student, math whiz, chorus member, drama participant, philanthropist and dear friend to many. She was inducted into the National Honor Society the day before she died on April 23, 1999.
With amazing courage and candor, Michelle faced her illness, determined to add life to days. Michelle’s mother, Pam, father, David, and brother, Andy, all cared for Michelle with the indispensible help of Iowa City Hospice.
“We had a community that took care of us,” Pam says. “We kept her at home – we all wanted this. Iowa City Hospice staff were so compassionate and caring – we could not have done this without them.”
Thirteen years after Michelle’s death, Pam and others who loved her will once again form Team Michelle. Wearing the tie-dye T-shirts that she favored, this year, they will serve as the 2012 Walk for Dignity Family.
“The Walk takes place near the time of Michelle’s passing,” Pam observes. Raising funds for the services that meant so much to their family is a wonderful way to honor Michelle who was always thinking of others. Donations from Team Michelle have had a huge impact with a total contribution of over $18,000 for patient care and bereavement services.
After the Walk, Team Michelle members gather at the Smith home, now in Cedar Bluff, to share pizza and memories. “I cannot say enough about Iowa City Hospice and how they cared for my daughter, my best friend,” Pam says, “They were definitely there for us.”
