##October 1, 1979 – April 29, 2016
Michelle was an adventurer, a traveler, a lifelong learner, and most of all, a giver. From her career as a Physical Therapist to her role as the main organizer of App Camp For Girls, a program for introducing young girls to technology careers, to her work with the NW Portland Hostel, Dance For Parkinson’s, Foot Traffic Women’s Academy, and Project POOCH—and even just baking for friends—Michelle gave of her time and of her passions.
Michelle was healthy her entire life when her diagnosis in late 2015 changed everything. She never lost hope, balancing difficult treatment regimens and terrible symptoms with a positive outlook, as much time as she could spend with friends and family, and still giving—with her words, her time, and her ever-present smile. She even gave the gift of sight after her passing through Lions VisionGift.
Michelle is remembered by many people around the world and we all continue to fight to eliminate pancreatic cancer through awareness, advances in early detection, better treatment options, and patient and caregiver support. Had she survived, I’m positive that Michelle would have done the same—she planned on being here today and this is the best thing we can be doing to remember her amazing life.
