In memory of Deborah Kuchler

By Michael Brooks
Staff Writer
    When Deborah Kuchler was diagnosed with cancer it barely had time to register with her family before she passed away. This year, Kuchler was one of three named In Memory Of by the Relay For Life.
    “It all happened suddenly,” Debbie’s daughter Brandy Bowers said. “They admitted her and she went into ICU. Her body went into septic shock and she had a heart attack. They found Lymphoma in her bone marrow. She died within a week. Looking back, we see the signs. At the time, we thought it was just her working all the time.”
    Lymphoma is something that runs in the family for Bowers.
    “My grandmother is battling Lymphoma right now,” Bowers said. “It has been going on for five or six years. When mom died, my husband told me that we are finding a doctor and putting me on a schedule. It is scary that it runs in the family.”
    Bowers said that her mother being honored really means a lot to the family.
    “She touched so many people,” Bowers continued. “Her family and her church were her life and this means she made an impact in their lives. We talk about her dedication to all of her kids and her grand kids. She was always there for all of us, at every event.
    “A lot of people remember her smile and her hard work. She always gave 110% to whatever she was involved in.”
    The Relay For Life names three people who have overcome cancer to honor and honors the memory of three people who have died from cancer.
    “The Relay is an important event to be a part of. We always made a donation at work (Industrial East Elementary) but have never actually participated,” Bowers said. “This is all a new experience for me and I am so excited that mom is going to be a part of it.”