Adrienne passed away at 10:55am on October 1st 2009 (age 22 years) after a thirteen year battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
She never gave up and was always ready to try the next treatment in search of a cure.
We are very proud of what she achieved in her short life and truly grateful for the huge number of people that she touched.
Adrienne tried harder to live than just about anybody else I have ever known. On that sad October morning she ran out of time and her fight came to an end. We are heartbroken that we lost her. ... But we will always remember the incredible courage and determination she showed us.
Excerpt from The Hodgkin's Lymphoma Board - September 28th 2010
Written by: Bekah 09-28-2010, 01:11 AM
Remembering Adrienne, Loving Alison.
"I wanted to take the time to share some thoughts with all of you, as this week marks the one year anniversary of Adrienne's passing. Friday, October first will be a solid year since Adrienne and her beautiful soul passed away.
This is also a time, to not only remember and think of Adrienne, but to openly show and tell Alison how absolutely wonderful she is as a person, friend, advocate, and especially, a mother. I can not even imagine what this week will be like for you A, and I won't even try, I just want you to know that we are all thinking of you and Adrienne, and the impact you've made on all of us -- especially myself. I thank my lucky stars everyday that I was able and still am able to spend time with you, and had the experience to share moments with Adrienne and her beautiful soul. You both have changed me as a person, and continue to do so. As a lot of things have changed over the years for a lot of us here on the board, one thing has been constant -- Adrienne's way of life. How she accomplished so much, how she impacted and influenced (and still does) others' lives, how she handled this disease with grace, integrity, and chutzpah. I truly believe Adrienne saved and continues to save more lives than she will ever know, as is true with Alison's knowledge of this disease as well.
Most importantly though, Adrienne was an amazing woman. And although most of you might know or associate her with this disease, I always like to think of the moments that crack a smile for me -- some of her personal qualities that I really really respected of her as a giving, witty, courageous, human being.
It is with a heavy heart, that I write this, as I miss Adrienne deeply.. and although I will never, ever try to understand or comprehend the depths of how much you miss her A, just know, we are here to hold you in thought and love. We miss her, appreciate/d her, and speaking for myself, I am so, so, grateful for the time we were able to talk and spend together. You are a phenomenal woman and mother, and the apple certainly did not fall far from the tree, I can attest to that.
It is no secret that I would rather have Adrienne here. That I still believe none of this is fair. But I hope you take some solace in knowing that she has touched hundreds... and her story and soul continue to do so. As do you.
For those of you who are new to the board, or did not know Adrienne that well. I wrote something small last fall, that does not do Adrienne's personality justice in the least bit, but it gives you a small glimpse of just how amazing this young woman was, and her soul is. Without even realizing it, Adrienne has saved lives.. I know I am here today, because of her. And for that, I will forever, forever, be thankful and appreciative of her strength and feel immensely privileged that I was able to call her a friend."