In Honor of My Friend Stephanie

Stephanie Andrus-Jackson and I first met back in the Summer of 2015.  She’s the Assistant Director of Design Services at Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX.  In my role as the manufacturer rep for Workrite Ergonomics in the DFW market, we immediately hit it off and did several small projects together in the following months.  I really felt like the relationship with Stephanie and TWU could be fruitful.

My boss scheduled a trip to travel with me for a few days in mid October and we were supposed to take Stephanie to lunch.  As we were leaving Exxon’s corporate headquarters in Irving, I received a phone call from Stephanie.  I immediately knew something was wrong but nothing could have prepared me for what she was about to share.

She explained that she had been battling Carcinoid Cancer since 2010 and she had just completed another round of treatment.  She further shared that it typically leaves her nauseated and exhausted and that she really didn’t feel up to guest.  Obviously I understood and promised to add her to my prayer list.  That’s when she openly expressed her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ which actually took our relationship to a whole different level.

As we said our goodbyes I turned to my boss to explain the situation.  Talk about a shot of perspective.  Regardless of our struggles in life, it generally doesn’t take much to find someone else going through a far greater challenge.  Stephanie’s journey has put her and her family & friends through pure hell, and I marvel at the grace and poise that she always displays.  Her faith in the Lord is strong and she is faithful to live by her faith as the foundation of each and every day.

Fast forward to the present and Stephanie’s journey since that fateful conversation back in October of 2015 has been quite the roller coaster ride.  In honor of her battle and in an effort to help gain support for her continued fight, I invite you to read the rest of her story by clicking the link below:

Please note that if you wish to offer support to Stephanie’s efforts, you can do so by clicking the “Donate” button beneath her photo.  100% of the donations are going towards her Wellness Campaign.

Stephanie – The Journey

Closing thoughts for my readers:

My mentor the late great Zig Ziglar used to teach on how people often times don’t place enough value on a given day.  His challenge was always that if you don’t think there’s any value in a day…try missing one.  It’s all a matter of perspective.

Knowing Stephanie and witnessing her fight has been one of the greatest influences in my life these past 17 months.  If you have your health, then you are truly blessed.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24