It was during middle school in the early 1970s when Tammy McKee met Lisa Jones.

The two hit it off and instantly became good friends. They grew up together in Cashion where everyone knew their neighbors and the school was the hub of the community.

The girls played basketball together and were involved in school activities. At lunch they could often be found in Lisa’s car, singing along to Meatloaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights.”

After graduation in 1979, they promised each other to stay in touch and for 41 years they did.

“I made a trip to New Mexico to see Lisa last summer,” McKee said. “She was teaching yoga and looked great. But shortly after the holidays, I got a call from Lisa’s husband. He told me Lisa has cancer. It was like someone punched me in the stomach.”

The cancer was astrocytoma, or a brain tumor. And it was spreading rapidly.

“I was in total disbelief,” McKee said. “Lisa has always been so active and healthy and has taken such good care of herself. Life can sure throw you a curve ball and none of us were expecting this.”

Immediately, McKee went into action to see what could be done to help her friend.

“After the shock wore off, I began exploring options of what I could do,” she said. “I knew about the American Cancer Society and the many services they offer, so I began doing some research. I shared that with Lisa’s family and told them to check into what might be available in New Mexico, like free rides to treatment.

“She always had beautiful blonde hair and I knew the American Cancer Society had free wigs available and that Lisa would definitely want one. I prayed a lot, too.”

Throughout the past few weeks, McKee has been reflecting on her friendship with Lisa.

“Her diagnosis made me take a look back at how long we’ve known each other and all we’ve been through,” she said. “Marriages, kids, divorce, losing a parent – we have been there for each other through it all. Lisa helped my mom plan my surprise 16th birthday party. Once she even ran away from home, and when she did, she ran straight to my house. So, I have been thinking about her so much lately and doing what I can to help.”

McKee said Lisa’s life expectancy is less than a year, according to her doctors. The cancer is progressing faster than originally thought, however, and she has now lost her ability to walk or speak.

“It hurts so much to think of her like that,” McKee said. “Cancer just sucks. So many cancers now are treatable, and people’s lives are being saved. I pray for a miracle like that for Lisa. Her family has set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ account, and I know that helps. But I wanted to share her story. When we said goodbye last summer, I didn’t know that would be the last time we would see each other. I’m still holding out for a miracle that she will pull through this and maybe I can go out and see her. I just want everyone to remember one thing from this story—and that is to tell those you love how much they mean to you. And do it today, because we never know what tomorrow may hold.”