Lisa Diane Howard

 Eight years ago I met a magnificent young lady whose life force was stronger than anyone else's that I've encountered. Her name is Lisa Howard and you may remember her because you directly added to the quality of her life.
Stricken with a fatal disease at age 12, Lisa was able to hang in there until she received a double lung/heart transplant on August 15, 1993, thanks to you. Do you recall the small sum of $250,000 you collectively raised that made her transplant possible?
Lisa carried that memory with her until the fated day of March 3, 1999, when she passed away. Diagnosed with chronic lung rejection -- those marvelous transplanted lungs she received drew their last breath.
What you gave Lisa was six years of life -- a life that had quality and freedom. Six years she never would have had if it wasn't for your generosity. My only regret is that most of you didn't know her personally. Fair skinned, light brown hair, and with a southern drawl, she was a beautiful young woman, whose innocence remained intact. Yet, she developed a type of savvy that only comes with facing life-threatening situations. She was, and will always be, in my mind...
... alas, my trite words will never accurately portray the person Lisa was. Let it be said that Lisa Howard's eulogy is the life she led and the people she inspired. She walked with grace every step of the way and I'll never forget her. Good-bye for now, Lisa. My condolences to your family and many friends.

Article from South Coast Today in Minnesota - Lisa passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota