Megan’s Story

By her mother, Amber Vess

Megan was diagnosed with ALL (leukemia) on August 12, 2012. She underwent treatment for almost three years. She had been off treatment for a year and a half when she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma brain cancer on December 15, 2016. We lost Megan on May 16, 2020.

The hardest part of her journey was all the unknowns. After a three-year treatment plan that required immeasurable time away from home and was a very hard season, we thought we were through it... just to be diagnosed with a worse cancer.

We found hope through countless hunting organizations. Megan loved to hunt and travel, and this was a great option to do both.

If I could pass along encouragement to other families going through this, it would be, as Megan said often, “Never give up.” Also, always know each child is different—just because they are diagnosed with the same cancer as someone else that doesn't mean their journey will be the same.

The Vess Family will be joining us on our annual Sunrise Retreat this month, a bereavement experience offering rest, restoration, hope, and joy for families who have lost a child to cancer. In looking ahead to their retreat, Megan's mother, Amber, shares her hopes for this time: “The Sunrise Retreat is a place of hope after the storm... a place of healthy healing from the worst storm you'll ever face in life—losing a child. A time to gather your thoughts and seek peace in God's beautiful landscape.”

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During the month of September, we will be sharing stories written by some of the families who will be attending our Sunrise Retreat this month. We hope you will join us in praying for these families who have endured unimaginable loss, that God will use the week away with their family and Lighthouse volunteers to bring healing and hope.

Our fundraising goal for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is $30,000, because that’s what it takes to put on a Sunrise Retreat. From meals and gifts to Parent’s Night Out, sibling activities and nights of remembrance, every single dollar we receive in September is going to be invested into providing a restorative experience for families who have lost their child to cancer. When it comes to our growing Sunrise Retreat program, more funding means more families served. Whether you can give $1, $100 or $1,000, please join us in honoring the memories of the children we’ve lost by providing support for the families who will never forget them. Visit this page to learn more or donate.