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Rhonda Peterson Memorial Fund

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Rhonda Peterson is, was, and always will be the brightest light in any room. She was selfless, funny, kind-hearted, loving, and absolutely beautiful - inside and out. Rhonda was your friend, your cousin, your soul sister, your patient, or your confidant. Her infectious love of life was contagious. For all of us who had the privilege and honor of knowing Rhonda, we were the lucky ones.
So many of Rhonda's TRIBE members have asked- What can I do? Can you think of anything I can contribute? What does Brenda need? Tell me if there is anything I can do to help.
The opportunity has arrived.

Anyone who knew Rhonda, knows that she had a huge heart and would help anyone who needed it. The time has come for us to give back in a big way. Please consider helping Rhonda's mom, Brenda.

As you can imagine, she is grieving right now and the last thing we want her to worry about is finances. Rhonda left a legacy of worldly love without worldly possessions.
Her 5 year battle robbed her not only of her life but also decimated her financially and ultimately her mom who was by her side supporting her through her fight. However, that never stopped Rhonda from generously giving of herself and sacrificing to help others whenever and however she was able. She was a real example of giving without expectation of return.

Our hope is to return the favor and raise funds for end of life costs + to leave monies for Brenda to plot her course in life without having to struggle. Rhonda frequently worried about her mother's care and finances once she was no longer here to help her. Now we; as those that knew Rhonda {Her TRIBE}, were somehow touched by her, and loved her for who she was and everything she represents, have the opportunity to give back in a way that would be paramount. We can do this for her by removing some of the financial burden that is facing her mother Brenda Peterson in the wake of Rhonda's passing.

Your contribution, however big or small, is greatly appreciated.
Most of you have followed Rhonda's journey on Facebook.
If not, here is her story--
Rhonda was taken from us far too soon, but she left quite an incredible mark on this world leaving it more beautiful than she found it. To know her was to love her. On November 24th, 2016, Thanksgiving morning, Rhonda lost her 5+ year battle with cancer. We are heartbroken and struggling to accept that she's gone, but we know her spirit will never truly leave us. Rhonda courageously fought liver cancer for a little over five years. She was fearless, strong, and brave beyond words. When she was diagnosed she never, never, ever complained but rather took the challenge with unparalleled courage and grace. She taught us how to live and she taught us how to meet life's most difficult challenges.
The last two weeks of Rhonda's battle was an emotional ride for this tribe.  Rhonda was cancer free for several months and was able to take a much needed break from chemotherapy. On October 11, 2016 the results from Rhonda's scan confirmed a tumor in the liver. Doctors presented options for the next step. Ablation was voted the best choice. This was treatment that uses imaging guidance to place a needle electrode through the skin into a liver tumor. High-frequency electrical currents were passed through the electrode, that destroys the cancer cells. The ablation procedure was scheduled for the morning of November 7, 2016. Procedure went beautifully. The doctors felt good about the surgery. She was sent home. Rhonda's liver went into shock late Wednesday night (11/9) which caused liver failure. Rhonda was admitted back to Duke University at this time. Rhonda spent 8 days in Durham. Her liver recovered from failure and moved to liver dysfunction. She was monitored closely as we watched her liver numbers drop. Having good days and bad days, peaks and valleys she fought with all she had. On November 17th, Rhonda was able to be moved from Duke to The Laurels of Hendersonville.

If sending money electronically is not your cup of tea, feel free to  contact us for an alternative. 
TRIBE I am asking you to open your hearts and help us with this mission. As Rhonda's dear friend, I have vowed to help this campaign to be a success. Please GIVE, SHARE, and SPREAD THE WORD on how to help. This would mean the world to Brenda {and Rhonda}. Any amount given toward this cause will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or need to reach out to me in anyway please feel free to do so.  My sincere hope is for the love that Rhonda expressed freely to others will return to her, thus helping Brenda to manage life’s unexpected moments.

I want to thank you in advance for being a contributor, whether it's giving to or sharing the cause. We love you and will miss you to the moon and back, Rhonda- This is our way of giving back to all of us that you have given to over the years.
-Heather Burleson

Rhonda Peterson's Obituary

Additional Way to Give- Donate to Cancer Research
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $10 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Heather Marie Burleson
Organizer
Fletcher, NC
Brenda Peterson
Beneficiary

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