Cathy Lundstom

Cathy Lundstrom was born Catherine Ann Bennett on August 4, 1958 in Mitchell, South Dakota and grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota with 2 sisters and 2 brothers.  She graduated from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1980 with a geological engineering degree.  Cathy had three careers.   First, a geological engineer; second, an aerospace engineer; and third, mother and homemaker.

Cathy married John Lundstrom on September 5, 1987.  Their son, Joseph (Joe) was born on September 18, 1990 and their daughter, Margaret (Maggie) was born May 3, 1992.  Ever since she was a little girl, Cathy wanted to be a mother, to have a family of her own.  Cathy gave up her career in aerospace to raise her children.  She envisioned a home full of laughter, a loving husband and happy, healthy kids.  Cathy was living out this all-American dream in the Chicago area, where they moved to in 1993, when the cancerous tumor and the treatments needed to cure it threatened her childhood dreams. 

"Just take one day at a time." Cathy adopted this motto soon after she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in December 1994.  Following the operation and while she was undergoing radiation treatments, it was difficult for her to abandon the responsibilities of a stay at-home mom which she had long cherished.  Her main focus was to regain her health, which required a tremendous amount of rest.  She would rest during the day so that she could gather stamina needed in the evening when she would spend most of her time with her children - reading them stories and tucking them in bed.  She loved their time together.

After surgery and months of radiation and chemotherapy, Cathy was ready to set her sights on the future, now armed with clear MRI scans that showed no signs of cancerous growth.  With this in mind, she started to make plans. Things were finally falling into place.

The triumph of having life return to normal lasted only a short period of time.  The cancer reappeared in February 1998.   After several more operations and additional chemo- therapy, Cathy's short life ended, she died at home on November 8, 1998.   She was 40.

Cathy handled cancer with incredible grace.   She was an inspiration to others who were sick and those who were perfectly healthy.  She would be extremely pleased to have her name used in conjunction with the efforts of all those who are working so hard to raise awareness, funding, and a cure for brain cancer.

Mary Jo Milligan

Mary Jo Milligan was born Mary Jo Jahns on September 27, 1961. Growing up in Deerfield, Illinois with her older sister, older brother, and younger brother, she attended Holy Cross grade school and Marillac High School where she made many life-long friends. Mary Jo left home for Northern Illinois University where she met her future husband, Glenn.

After earning a degree in communications in 1985, Mary Jo lived in Evanston and worked in Chicago. In 1987, Mary Jo married Glenn Milligan and began her dream: to be a Mother. In 1988, Katie was born. The young family moved to Vernon Hills where Sarah was born in 1990, and Michael was born in 1994.  Although Mary Jo held various part time jobs including working at the Vernon Hills Park District, she thrived on her children's' activities. She was a room Mom at their schools and a Religious Ed teaching assistant at St. Mary of Vernon Church. She was blessed with a full and happy life with her wonderful family.  

At the young age of 37, Mary Jo received her devastating diagnosis: an Oligodendroglioma brain tumor, a rare form which only occurs in 5% of all brain tumor patients.  Mary Jo fought her tumor with all her might. Through several surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, she always looked on the bright side. Everyone always heard her saying, "I'm going to get through this." She never talked about the possibility of the tumor winning the battle. She never lost hope. 

During the holidays of 1998, Mary Jo started to gradually slip into a coma.  Hospice was called in to make her comfortable, and to let her be the only place that mattered to her: at home with her family. On January 27, 1999, Mary Jo Milligan died peacefully surrounded by her family. Nearly 1000 of Mary Jo's friends, family members, coworkers, parents, and teachers from her vast circle of activities attended her visitation. May she rest in peace.

Glenn Milligan