On December 24, 2010, fifteen year old Meghan Redenbach lost her ovarian cancer battle. Although her physical presence is no longer, Meghan’s spirit will forever inspire her hometown community, as well as those who have read about and followed her courageous journey since 2008.
On December 24, 2010, fifteen year old Meghan Redenbach lost her ovarian cancer battle. Libby’s H*O*P*E*™ covered Meghan’s inspirational story on February 26, 2009 and March 5, 2009. When Meghan was thirteen years old, she was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer known as “fibrosarcoma.” This form of ovarian cancer is so rare that there are only 30 documented cases in the U.S. Meghan was only the second child to be diagnosed with fibrosarcoma.
Meghan was a gifted and avid volleyball player in middle school and during her freshman year in high school. “She just has incredible courage and determination and the ability to fight through things,” says Bill Holahan, Meghan’s high school volleyball coach. “Anyone who has come into contact with her has fallen in love with her and her courage.”
Meghan Redenbach was a gifted and avid volleyball player. Bill Holahan, Meghan's high school volleyball coach, said: "Anyone who has come into contact with her has fallen in love with her and her courage."
Last year, and after a difficult selection process, Meghan was chosen by Roswell Park Cancer Institute as one of three cancer patients
whose stories were told as part of the Institute’s New Era New Hope campaign. As part of the New Era New Hope campaign, each selected patient was requested to design a customized baseball cap that represented the spirit of his or her cancer journey. The front of Meghan’s cap emphasized the word “Survivor,” along with a teal ovarian cancer ribbon. In full defiance of her cancer, Meghan placed the words “Man Up” on the back of her cap.
As part of her story for the New Era New Hope campaign, Meghan wrote:
… I will admit that at times I feel like I don’t have anyone, and just want to give up. In reality, I have so many people behind me that bring out the strength I have. I guess the saying “You never know how strong you are until strength is your only option,” is really true. People have said it is amazing how I can do all this and stay so positive. I strongly believe that I am doing what any other person would be doing if they were in my position.
Being diagnosed has opened my eyes to everything in life. I have never really appreciated my friends and family as much as I do now. If it weren’t for them, I am not
sure I would have gotten as far as I have. Everyday I tell myself, “Just another day. No matter what, I will make it to tomorrow. Even if I fight all day. I’ll make it.”
I have always wanted to inspire people, and help people get through things they never imagined they could get through. And to tell you the truth, I am still trying to figure out how. One day it will all come together and all my dreams will come true. I hope this happens for everybody. One of my dreams is to speak for those who are, unfortunately, not able to tell their story. Those who have lost their fight. I plan on winning my fight in honor for those who didn’t get a chance to say, “I’m a survivor. …
Meghan’s words above require no additional explanation and reveal the character of a remarkable teenager, who was wise well beyond her fifteen years of life. Although her physical presence is no longer, Meghan’s spirit will forever inspire her hometown community, as well as those who have read about and followed her courageous journey since 2008.
In tribute, we provide below a five minute video news story about Meghan, which was created in March 2009 by WGRZ’s Matt Pearl. In addition, we provide a second news story video that reported today on Meghan’s life and extraordinary character, as described by those who gathered to celebrate her life.
We would like Meghan’s family and friends to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them during this extremely difficult time.
Meghan Redenbach – WGRZ News Story – March 5, 2009
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Meghan Redenbach – WIVB News Story – December 28, 2010
Sources:
- Determined teen loses fight – Passion for volleyball overshadowed cancer, written by Keith McShea, BuffaloNews.com, December 24, 2009.
- Community says final goodbye to one tough teen, written by Rich Newberg, WIVB.com, December 28, 2010.
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