She was actually the very first employee we hired in 2002 after the merger that was to become Ovation. In Rhonda, we found a woman who embodied everything we could have ever wanted in a co-worker and friend. She became a model and inspiration for employees to come.

Rhonda was battling breast cancer for 13 years before her body started to fail in 2009. At this time, we chose to be there for her just as she was always there for us. Many of us sat with her through treatments or visited her at home, bringing dinner. We wanted to spend as much time with her as we could before we didn't have the chance. We wanted her to know how special she was to us.

We started a scholarship fund in her memory for her two sons, Austin and Nick. We utilized fun ways to raise money, via “Wellness Wednesdays” and “Costume Contests.” This type of silly and cut-throat competition was something Rhonda would have loved. The fundraising was very successful and we presented her son, Austin, the funds we raised at our summer picnic this past August.

We do all of these things to keep Rhonda's memory alive. We have fundraisers, we keep pictures of her in the office, but truly–Rhonda's spirit is alive in all of us. Rhonda taught us how to have faith, be courageous, and live life to the fullest. She is a woman we could never forget.

“When I think about my mom and the time I spent with her I cannot help but think about her life, her fight, and her courage. I could never explain to anyone the moments and experiences I shared with her. Everything she felt, I believe I felt with her. We were one.” --Austin Parent

Read Bill Carew's Tribute to Rhonda on the Ovation Blog