Linda has been blessed with a large network of family and friends that span many states and includes four local women with whom she has formed a special bond. These four women, together with Linda, call themselves “Livin’ The Dream Team (LTD).” These four women were the masterminds behind the ME STRONG 5K Run/Walk. 

When Linda told the “team” about her recurring cervical cancer they were struck with sadness, worries and an overwhelming desire to do something that would help Linda in her fight against cancer. After much thought and discussion, they came up with the idea of a 5K in Linda’s honor that would promote living healthier lifestyles through clean eating and exercising. What the “team” didn’t realize was that the idea and coming together of the 5K would help them as well. 

“The ME STRONG 5K is something we can control. It has given us something positive to focus on and, frankly, it has given us something other than cancer to talk about. As a group we have discussed it, laughed about it, debated about it and, at times, even cried about it,” said Kim Martin,  race coordinator.

Friendship means many things to many people. It is in trying times that we find out who our true friends are and see the goodness is those that want to help. 

“It’s easy to be a good friend when life is coasting along and all of your times spent together are celebrating good times. The strength of a true friendship is tested during the most difficult times,” said Kim Winters.

“I am learning through this journey that if you are a true friend to a person with cancer you must put them first and realize that your job is to rally with your friends and support her in any way you can, listen carefully to her needs and you will find your purpose. At different times your sick friend may need to lean on the support of another friend more than you. It doesn’t mean she loves you any less, it just may be she needs something different from that particular friend. She may need to be with the “joker” of the group one day and then the “nurturer” of the group the next day.”

No matter what, the ladies all say Linda’s battle with cancer has brought them even closer together and helped them realize what is important in life. 

"After having gone through a life and death situation with my youngest child, I have learned that each day is a blessing. We knew that Linda would not want things to change just because of her diagnosis. The positive attitudes and excessive amounts of laughter are what brought us together in the first place. Fighting cancer is just another path that our friendship will follow," expressed Barbara Underhill.

The LTD ladies have learned not to sweat the small stuff. They have learned to be “present” with their friends and make memories. They know that the quality of time spent together is much more important than the quantity of time spent together. 

As Kathy Guyer states, “I think one of the most important things that friendships can do to help a friend during a difficult time is just being there at all times. You may not be able to be with them physically but making sure they know you are with them mentally at all times is vital. They need to know that no matter what comes up they can call on you and they know that you will jump in no matter how deep it gets.”