IN REMEMBRANCE
Diane Christine Peek
In April of 2000, Diane Christine Peek went to her doctor to report symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating. The next month, during a complete hysterectomy, the surgeons found Stage III ovarian cancer. Physicians told her she had a 20% chance of surviving 5 years and started chemotherapy immediately. That is when her inner strength, courage and fight for life came to the surface. Our family quickly realized how fragile life really is. Diane and her husband of 28 years, Allen, and their two grown daughters made a pact to fight this disease in every possible way they could.

Throughout the next 4½ years, Diane dedicated her life to beating this disease. She underwent several rounds of chemo along with the accompanying side effects. Although she would have good days and bad, she always tried to find the strength to get through the difficult treatments. There were days where she would have chemo, and go home. And there were days that she would have chemo, and go play a round of golf with her husband. In the final months, she was accepted into a study program for ovarian cancer and would fly down to Stanford University for the day to undergo treatment.

Diane witnessed her older daughter’s lovely wedding in Portland and her younger daughter’s beautiful beach wedding in Hawaii. Then came the blessing of grandchildren – a granddaughter in July of 2003, and a grandson, Cade, (her choice) in June 2004. All during this time, Diane and Allen enjoyed traveling in their motor home, playing golf, fishing and cruising around in their new Corvette while listening to Sheryl Crowe singing, “I want to soak up the sun.” Those were the days she cherished.

Diane was a true inspiration not only to our family, but to all who knew her. During rounds of chemo she would chat with her lovely nurses about events in her life, and the nurses truly loved her. In the nearly five years that we as a family held together to endure this disease, Diane taught us about strength, optimism, courage, passion for life and family. She said to enjoy everyday, smile everyday, and love everyday. Diane will be our guardian angel, to watch over us, guide us, love us, and keep us strong. Diane taught us the difference between life and living.

Diane lost her battle with this disease on February 6, 2005. On that day we told her that this was not goodbye, but “TEAL WE MEET AGAIN.” Her family is dedicated to carrying on her legacy, and finding a cure for this disease. She is the reason why we stand so strong and proud next to the Sherie Hildreth Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Diane has since had two precious little granddaughters named after her, Sophia Christine born in March 2006, and this past fall we welcomed Sienna Christine.

— Written by daughter Jennifer Waller

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