Tibute to a Hero

[AgilityDog]

My community is about to lose a true hero. Lis' Kristoff has been battling metastatic breast cancer for 8 years now, and has run agility throughout her treatments, rarely missing a trial. She's been my example of how to deal with a major illness, and how to be a wonderful trainer/handler, even before I developed my heart problems. Last month she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and volunteered for clinical drug trials as a way of giving back to all the women who had done the trials on the drugs which have helped her survive these past 8 years.
Last week, she was diagnosed with acute myeleucitic leukemia, and given 3 weeks to live. This past Saturday she took her favorite little Chinese Crested dog, Diva, to an agility trial (Dallas Area Working Group), and finished Diva's Agility Dog Championship. Here's what may be her last run.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zlhkMwppKw

Live every day as though it may be your last. Lis' has.

 

[Karlynn]

Oh my. I've totally ruined the makeup I just put on. What a wonderful tribute to the spirit of life.

You have my prayers as you celebrate this wonderfully strong woman's life and prepare to mourn her after she leaves. She's leaving the legacy of a warrior that will never be forgotten.

 

[Cooker]

My heart goes out to you, her family and friends....So very sad....May her strength and inspiration continue to live in the ones who know and love her.

 

[WayneGM]

Her strength is truly inspirational.

 

[Guest]

The true meaning of "Hero"

The true meaning of "Hero"

Thank you for sharing this. What a wonderful and strong person Lis is. Heroes like Lis help us all to put our personal issues into perspective. Remind us to live each day as if it were our last, and share our strength and compassion with others.

I hope I can approach my own demise some day in the future with such grace and dignity.

I pray that you and your friends and families are given comfort and strength to get through this sad time, and for God to bless Lis and grant her peace.

 

[Wise]

What a jumble of emotions this story produces! I mourn with you in the impending loss of this remarkable young woman. Her dog's performance is such a fitting tribute to the woman who esteemed her and gave much to her to make her a champion. I'm almost overwhelmed with this story, but I couldn't not watch the video. It really is a celebration of life.