WENDY'S WISH
The fight against colon cancer continues
Al, Wendy and Heather Huntley on a trip to the Galapagos Islands, three months before Wendy passed away. Wendy's remarkable life inspired friends and family to embark upon a dedicated effort to raise funds for colon cancer education and screenings.
Al Huntley and Wendy Barrett were rookie teachers when they were sent on an assignment to find a Christmas tree for their school. That mission blossomed into a love story that continues today through an inspirational community initiative - Wendy's Wish.
Not long after their tree excursion, Wendy and Al exchanged wedding vows. A new home and two girls, Heidi and Heather, soon followed. The Huntley's were living the American dream with a rich family life enhanced by close friends and a multitude of interests.
Years later, in 1998, the Huntley's idyllic family life was disrupted. Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Aggressive treatment wouldn't keep Wendy from her leading role in the annual Christmas Goose Boutique, a craft fair she started years earlier. This time Wendy had a new mission, to educate shoppers on the importance of breast self examinations and screenings.
As her health improved, Wendy focused on giving back to the community. She and Al participated in several fundraising walks, and Wendy mentored friends facing similar obstacles. Life was good, and things were getting back to a new normal for the Huntley family.
Looking back, Al is sure that Wendy began exhibiting signs of colon cancer in November of 2004. She was anemic and the doctors couldn't understand how she was functioning. Seven months later, the medical team had a diagnosis. Al and Wendy received the news together: stage III colon cancer.
Sadly, treatment was ineffective. This time she wouldn't bounce back. Wendy knew time was short and laid out her wishes. Selfless to her very core, Wendy wanted to help provide colon cancer education and screenings for low-income and underinsured families. To reflect her character and unique interests, she hoped the fundraising would be centered on one of her passions, quilting.
Wendy died at home on August 24, 2006. At her memorial, quilts were on display and memories of this brave cancer warrior with a generous spirit were shared. To honor her community spirit and passion for giving, Wendy's friends and family initiated a fundraising effort, aptly named Wendy's Wish, in collaboration with the St. Charles Foundation. Funds raised by this close-knit group are dedicated to the purpose Wendy outlined prior to her death, the fight against colon cancer.
If colon cancer is caught in its earliest stages, treatment is highly effective. Wendy didn't have the good fortune of early detection, but her final wish was that others would. Friends and family have taken that wish to heart. They celebrate Wendy's remarkable life through dedicated, ongoing fundraising efforts.
To share in Wendy's dream, visit www.WendysWish.org for opportunities for support and participation.
Learn more about the St. Charles Foundation and opportunities to support outstanding health care in your community.