Oh, What a Day: Tribute to an Amazing Woman

I want to take this time to write a tribute to Lisa Kotula, a woman who forever touched my heart.

I first met Mrs. Kotula when I was an Office Aid at my high school. She was this feisty, witty, and full-of-life woman who was one of our receptionists. We quickly became friends, always talking about preferred types of spanish coffee and even covering the different styles of kickboxing (she even let me borrow her gloves for about a month). I learned that year, though, that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. It definitely didn't get her down - she always had a smile on her face and pink ribbon items all over her desk. She even was excited about her wig that showed her spunky side. Although it was tough, she got through it. I vividly remember, though, the one and only instance when I truly saw the affect the chemo had on her. I believe it was the day before her last chemo treatment, and she basically stated that she wasn't going to take it. It was a very emotional time, and a lot of us in the office had tears in our eyes, begging her to take the treatment because it could be the one that got the last bit of cancer out of her system. To make a long story short, she ended up gathering up her last bit of internal strength and took that treatment. That moment forever made an impression on my heart because I saw what all she had to go through in order to treat the cancer, and I honestly gained a lot of respect for her that day, as well as all individuals being treated for cancer. I respected her a tremendous amount before then, but that just pushed the admiration meter over the top. Her dedication and determination is something I will always remember and respect.

I admired her strength so much that I asked her to speak at my sorority's Think Pink Party in 2005. I was the Fundraising Chair at the time and thought she would be a perfect addition to the event because of her story and cheerful personality. She was nervous before the party and even said, "I know I'm okay with everything if I can get through my entire story without crying my eyes out." Well, she did it. No other eye in the room was dry, though. Everyone truly enjoyed hearing her story, and she said she was glad she got to share it with everyone because it helped her cope with everything that had gone on in the past few years.

As all of us were, I was deeply saddened to hear about Mrs. Kotula passing away late last week. Although I hadn't seen her in a couple of years, I still admire her just the same. Her courage, perserverance, kindness, and passion for living will always be something that stands out when she comes across my mind. Because she made such a positive impression on my life, I want to run for her in this October's Race for the Cure in Macon, GA. I usually run for a few special individuals who have survived breast cancer, but this will be the first time for an equally special individual who is on the other end of the spectrum. So, come October 24th, I will be running with determination and a square pink card on my back that says, "I Race in Memory of Lisa Kotula."