Scott Turner of Gig Harbor, a tremendous photojournalist shared these thoughts in his article in a local paper: http://wwwkitsapsun.com/news/2009/feb/12/hicks-gig-harbor-medical-life/?story_detail_gi g-harbor=1 |
Meaghan was a fantastic role model. I loved her so much. She was always there for me. Her smile had always brightened up my day. I remember when my mom and I went up to California for my mom’s work. We made time to visit Meaghan. We went up to the hospital and she had her Best Friend(s), her mom, her dad, my mom, and me. Her toes were painted red and she had her blanky curled up next to her. I gave her a relaxing foot message. I wanted to spend forever with her there at that Stanford hospital. I couldn’t but I always will know that she will be with me. I remember her and always will. No moment have I forgotten when I had spent my time with her. Spending the night at her house. Watching movies ‘till 1 o’clock in the morning. And snuggling!!! ! I love you Meaghan Michelle Hicks! Love, Mariel Jayne Stebor (Your special girl) |
1st Pix~ Meaghan & I @ Grandma Dorans house on Easter! Summer Stepp and Cousin, Meaghan Where to begin...This is the oldest & dearest picture that I have of Meaghan & I. We were born the same week, the same year & I'm sure we are alike in more ways than one.Even though we lived what seemed to be a million miles away, it did'nt change the love I had for my cousin, My Friend. Meaghan was always Smiling, Laughing & could fight harder than any person I've ever known...I only hope to be half the woman Meaghan Was~Is. Megs, Me & Jessie This picture was taken @ Candlewood Lake @ our new house & it was one of the RARE occassions we got to spend together! I cherish those times more than anyone knows. It was a time of LOVE & LAUGHTER that will never be forgotten....Just like Meaghan..... I've always loved this saying & it seems to fit my forever young & beautiful cousin Meaghan...... ~May the Wind always be @ your back & the Sun Upon your Face & May the Wings of Destiny carry you aloft to Dance with the Stars~ I love you Uncle Carl...XOOXOXO get some rest! Your Niece, Summer |
Dr. Robyn Barst, MD, Comforting Meaghan after her Transplant |
I first met Meaghan Hicks in 1994. She had fainted during a gymnastics event in Germany where she was living with her parents, and her brother and sister. Although her dad, Colonel Carl Hicks, was to be stationed there for several years, Meaghan was immediately flown to Walter Reed for evaluation. Her parents were told she had a fatal disease with less than a year to live but there was a doctor in NYC Meaghan should see. It was at that juncture in Meaghan’s life, that Meaghan and her family entered my life. My career in pulmonary hypertension, has been, and always will be, the most gratifying career I could ever dream of. Treating patients like Meaghan teaches one all about life; and that life is for the living – one day at a time – and one moment at a time. We all remember this when we lose someone we love; but then far too quickly we forget and return to our daily lives not looking at life around us and not giving of ourselves because we fail to truly remember what someone like Meaghan can teach us. Meaghan was a young lady with a gift for living and with a gift for giving. She took each day as it came and more often than not during the past several years, swallowed hard to look life face on and go forward. She was raised by two of the most extraordinary individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Hard, tough Colonel Carl Hicks can be as hard on the exterior as any driven man could ever be; but on the inside, he has the warmth and love and understanding of why we are all on this earth – to make this earth a better place for all, by working hard and loving those you love more than one could think possible. As I got to know Meaghan over the years, I saw that the “ hard and tough” and “soft and gentle” qualities in her came from her parents. Colonel Hicks is tough when he needs to be, and you better not cross him or get on his bad side, or you will regret it. But he will do anything, absolutely anything for what he believes in and for those he cares about– and although Meaghan may no longer be with us on this earth, it is because of Meaghan that the fight for curing pulmonary hypertension continues to move forward; her father has taken on fighting pulmonary hypertension with everything he has – and the successes of his hard work are visibly apparent. I know his work will continue to help thousands of children and adults struck with this deadly illness have a better life. I think one of the reasons Meaghan and I got along so well was that our relationship was far more than physician and patient; we were always honest with each other; no lying, no mincing words and both working towards the same goal – that is, to make her quality of life better! We would laugh and joke, and both believe that life is for the living – that is, if she had the urge for Chinese food, go for it and it her ankles got swollen, big deal – take a diuretic. We all have to have Chinese food or pizza sometimes. Meaghan knew full well my philosophy of treating pulmonary hypertension was to improve quality of life and as a byproduct increase survival; but the goal was never to just increase survival and live in a glass house waiting to die. For those of you who knew Meaghan, she never lived in a glass house! She did everything and more. Nothing was too momentous for her. Meaghan also knew she could call me 24/7 and I would never mind. I remember my phone ringing once while I was in Australia. Meaghan was calling me and apologizing for waking me up (as she thought I at home in NYC asleep); however, when I said I was in Australia, she wasn’t that sorry anymore and she said “Great! You’re probably not sleeping!” She wanted to make sure she could do whatever she had the strength for even if she got tired doing it. She was being told how sick she was and that she shouldn’t do anything other than wait for the inevitable. Meaghan knew that was not my philosophy nor was it hers! And that was many years ago. What Meaghan did for those she loved is far more than most of us ever do in a lifetime. She knew how precious life was. We all need to learn from Meaghan and do what I know she would want those she loved to do moving forward – weep, mourn and never forget her, but then move on and help others. Find a passion in your life and pursue it as hard as you can! And when you feel down, think of Meaghan Hicks and smile. Robyn Barst, MD (Meaghan's doctor and friend for nearly fifteen years, during which time neither she nor Meaghan ever gave up) |
DON'T DWELL ON WHAT WE DON'T HAVE, BE THANKFUL THAT WE CAN WAKE TO A NEW TOMORROW AND SHARE IT WITH ALL WHO WE LOVE. SHE WAS A BRAVE, COURAGEOUS, LOVING, UNSELFISH, BEAUTIFUL GIRL, THAT TOUCHED ALL OF OUR LIVES..... I CONSIDER MYSELF VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN HER AUNT, AND THE MEMORIES I HAVE OF HER WILL FOREVER LIVE IN MY HEART.... LOVING THOUGHTS..... LOVING THOUGHTS..... ALWAYS MY LOVE....CRISTIE |
Meaghan was a beautiful girl inside and out. I loved her very much. I remember her as a little girl with a hugh smile and illuminated everything and everyone around her. love you all terri vail |
"You don't get over it, you just get through it. You don't get by it, because you can't get around it. It doesn't get better; it just gets different." |
She has been such an inspiration to us all, as have you. Barbara Thompson Mid-South PH Support Group Leader |
"I think words are not enough to tell you of my grief. Meaghan has left a void in our lives. As a physician, it was a privilege, my pleasure to take care of her. As a friend, it hurt me to no end to see her suffer... And, yes, it will never be the same without her actual presence, I still feel her around me. I don't know how else to describe it. She was, she is, and she will forever remain a part of my life - as yours." Dr. Ayesha Haroon, M.D. (Meaghan's transplant doctor and friend at Stanford) |
Meaghan at Stanford, May, 2007 w / Dr. Haroon |
Post - Transplant Retail Therapy - First Trip to Target (July, 2007, Redwood City, CA) |
This is Meaghan at Beaver Lake, Arkansas (aka "The Lake") in July, 1985. When she saw this picture while flipping through our photo album many years later, during a visit to Tonganoxie, Kansas, she had to laugh at the "Pose" as she liked to call it. Unbeknownst to Meaghan, the lavender or periwinkel color of her swimsuit would become a color that would mean so much to her and her family and friends. We treasure all of our "Meaghan Memories... Like when she was feeding "baby" Ryan (now 18) his babyfood she laughed so hard as he made a funny squeal and clenched his fists, shaking them in the air - with every new bite. (How she loved babies!) ...Or, when she acted as Jason's confidant and advisor when he faced using that "new-fangled" insulin pump a few years ago. (Jason now 23) She explained how her pump worked and they compared notes and she made helpful suggestions. Meaghan could instill confidence in others with her directives and assurances. If she said it -- you knew it had to be so! We will continue to cherish the memories we have of Meaghan --- just always believed things would "turn-around" soon and we would have time to make many more. ...another lesson learned from Meaghan. Love Always and Forever - Aunt DeAnn, Uncle Gary and cousins - Jason and Ryan Brammer |
Meaghan was one of the most beautiful people I've ever met. I will forever miss her. I am thankful I was lucky enough to have her as part of my life. All my love, Melissa Stokke-Kerwin |
We remember Meaghan for her quiet kindness, her lovely smile and laughter, expressive eyes, her steadfast friendship, we loved it when she called us gandma and grandpa, and, in our hearts we remember her constant bravery- We remember Meaghan as our friend and we will always love her. Ed & Nancy Stebor |
Meaghan, you have always been in my heart. Your life and love has blessed many and will continue to do so eternally. ~Jenny (Livingston) Schaefer |
We only met Meaghan a couple of times, but what I remember most was her beautiful smile. It lit up a room! May God bless and comfort all of you and bring you closer together. You have surrounded Meaghan with loving care all the years of her life. May you feel her presence with you always. Barb and Steve Sutton |
Thinking of you and sending lots of hugs. I came across a poem that just seemed to capture something for me about our last visit together. I learned so much from being around Meaghan. She touched me so deeply and profoundly. I just cannot find the words to express things myself just now. Ramona Ramona Doyle, MD The Last Time -Marie Howe The last time we had dinner together in a restraurant with white table clothes, she leaned forward and took my two hands in hers and said, I'm going to die soon. I want you to know that. And I said, I think I do know. And she said, what surprises me is that you don't. And I said, I do. And she said, What? And I said, Know that you're going to die. And she said, No, I mean know that you are. |
Meaghan shown in May '07, Post Transplant at Stanford with Romona Doyle, MD, and Rohan Zamanian, MD, Two of Her Favorites |
Meaghan was one of the most remarkable people I have ever met, and I, like so many, deeply admired her. Her love of life and her amazing love of other people always amazed me. Even in her roughest moments of recovery after transplant, she never neglected to ask how those around her were doing, and was genuinely concerned about each and every one. I have often used Meaghan’s story, and her inspiring accomplishments (despite her PH diagnosis), to inspire myself to keep doing this work, to strive toward enhancing the quality of life of those with PH and those who love and care for them. I will continue to do so with Meaghan’s memory and spirit guiding the way. It was my honor to know and accompany Meaghan through some of the most salient moments of her life, and it is such a devastating loss to know that we will not witness her triumphs first-hand any longer. I do know that she will sustain the fighting force and the motivation in me to continue working in the PH world, and to know that the impossible really doesn’t exist— Meaghan demonstrated that every day I knew her... My heart is with you all. With gratitude and fond memories, Allyson Allyson M. Rupp, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker Vera M. Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Stanford Hospital and Clinics 300 Pasteur Drive, Rm H0315 Stanford, CA 94305 |
Meaghan was one of my all-time favorite patients over a 30+ year career in Pediatric nursing. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones. Cindi Haarstad LPN, Madigan Pediatric Clinic |
Rainbow, seeming to end at Stanford University Medical Center, the morning after Meaghan's Transplant, February 26th, 2007 |
I remember the day that we met Meaghan; she was 5, and her family had just moved into the house next door that day. She and Jesse came skipping across the grass to borrow some milk from us, because Mom was making mac-and-cheese for dinner and hadn't time to shop for groceries. Both girls were wearing T-shirts that said "We Are Family". That was the beginning of our joyous and enduring friendship. And I remember, a little later when Meaghan's first "baby" tooth came loose, Bill gravely helped her to let it fall out, with the aid of a piece of string and comforting words. There are many other memories that come rushing back now, to savour and re-live with the knowledge that they will be with me forever. ---sing with the angels, dear Meaghan, and we will hear in our hearts.---sing with the angels, dear Meaghan, and we will hear in our hearts. Love, Sylvia Earl |
Meaghan on her first sailing trip with Jessica and Andy, under the watchful eye of Captain Bill Earl, MD. Little Traverse Bay, MI. |
I first met Meaghan working with her on 'Team' for the Seattle U Search Retreat. That is where I first heard her story and was touched by her beautiful smile. I later reconnected with her through our mutual friend, Becky Schumaker, as we both are from the same circle of friends. Meaghan has been truly inspiring in my life. When someone passes away, people tend to say that God always takes the best souls. With Meaghan this is especially true. When I first got the email from Becky about Meaghan's transplant, I sent my own email to my family and friends for prayers and positive energy for her. So, lots of prayers have always been coming her way and I would keep them updated as I learned of her progress. When I heard that she passed away, I let them know. One of my oldest friends wrote this: Just getting on line. Got all the news about your friend Meaghan. The web site her Dad set up is beautiful. Not ever meeting her the site made me cry. I wish there was a spot to leave thoughts. If you communicate with her family at all send them my warmest regards. In times like this it is amazing how much you appreciate thoughts from strangers. It's not right what she had to go through. She seems like a very special girl. (~Kristin) I know that Meaghan touched so many with her story, her warmth and her smile, especially me. My heart and prayers go out to all of you who are missing her dearly. May her gorgeous spirit and enduring strength live on in all of us! I wish you love and peace, Kelly (Bonin) Botham |
i'll be coming up from LA to celebrate meaghan this weekend. i know how small the church by jared's house is; i'll be honored to fit in, or around, or any which way i can. meag is like no one else in the world; i'm so very happy and grateful that we've all gotten to have her in our lives for so long. the only people i truly feel sorry for are the ones who weren't lucky enough to know her. pardon the language...but you made one hell of a daughter. thank you for sharing her with us. sincerely, corina spadoni |
Meaghan, Andy, Jessica, ca. 1987 |
When I was a toddler, Meaghan loved to hear me say the word "Sparkle"! She would make me say it again and again, giggling each time. I know Meaghan's spirit will "Sparkle" forever! Love, Jason KC Cousin |
Jessica, Jason, Andy, Meaghan, about 1987 |
Meaghan, her Nephew, Nolan, Summer, 2008 |
A Happier Time... Jessica, Meaghan, Andy Hiking in Switzerland (Pre-PH) |
"A Life Cut Short" |
"She had this luminous light about her, you could feel the radiance when you were in her presence. She gave us all hope..." Annette Lantos Tilleman-Dick |
I spent several days reflecting on how it would impact Lisa and I were we to lose Jennifer and as good as my vocabulary is, I don’t think I could put it into words. Meaghan was literally Mary Jan’s biological copy, much as Jennifer is Lisa’s. They look like sisters and they have the same timber in the tone of their voices; so much so, that it is hard to tell the difference between them when talking to them on the phone. So rather than focusing on the loss of Meaghan, I turned instead to remembering the joy she brought us in the past when she was in our presence. Although in retrospect we would liked to have had more time with Meaghan we still have many fond memories of the times we did get to spend with her. Her dark hair, radiant smile, effervescent personality and that genetically patented chin will always be indelibly etched in my memory. Love, Uncle John & Aunt Lisa |
"Your friend is your needs answered. He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving...And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures...And let their be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit...When you part from your friend you grieve not; For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain." -Kahlil Gibran |
I just wanted to take a moment to give my condolences to your family. I went to middle and high school with Meaghan, She was, she is one of the most beautiful people I have ever meet and feel that my life has been blessed by knowing her. Her strength and her personality are enough to inspire the faintest of heart and her memory will always be close to my heart. Thank you for taking the time to put together this beautiful website-. Kristi Hayes |
Meaghan with then Major Greg Gile, USA |