Team Tami

Team Tami:  This is the initial reference letter that was submitted to the "Anything for a Friend" board of directors.  This is where we begin the AFAF journey!  More posts to come...

Reference Letter

April 12, 2012

Anything for a Friend

2573 North 2450 East

Layton, Utah  84040

RE:  Tami Flanery

Dear Board of Directors,

We are grateful to be asked to write a letter of Reference for our wonderful sister, Tami.

Tami is from a family of 7, 4 sisters and 2 brothers.  Her mother is 85 and lives with our handicapped sister.  Tami spends countless hours helping with our  mom and her books and helping with medical needs for our sister.  She is without question the brightest ray of sunshine in the family.  She lights up any room she walks into because of her bubbly, happy, over-the-top personality.  She wants no attention drawn to herself or to the troubles she’s had, but seeks out everyone else and wants to know what’s happening in their lives.

She stops to cheer a child who is sad, teaches a child how to fish, and puts her arms around perfect strangers in need.  She has a very contagious laugh and is never without a smile for anyone she meets.  Even in the midst of financial struggles for her and her family, everyone else comes first.

Not much can stop Tami from doing something she is determined to do.  She loves running and has run in several marathons.  Last year after being diagnosed with stage-four cancer and undergoing major surgery, her doctor said she would not be running any marathons that year.  But Tami was determined to push forward and two months later, with the blessing of one of her doctors, she ran the St. George marathon.  And even though she was one of the last runners to come in, she stopped to cheer others along and thanked others before the finish line for still cheering her on till the bitter end.

She’s everyone’s favorite aunt.  She has a gift of genuine love and an enduring faith and trust in her Savior.  She makes everyone feel as if they are her best friend.  Her animation expresses her enthusiasm for life.  She has been a devoted friend to a group of girls she worked with 30 years ago, and they are equally devoted to her.

She served a 2-year mission for her church and met a man there who followed her home and waited 5 years to marry her.  They’ve raised three beautiful daughters whose care and concern has lifted her as she has faced the challenges of this dreaded disease.  Her husband has worked around the clock in his business for many years to support his family; however, the economy has taken its toll forcing him to close the doors.  He is still working long hours to try to meet the family’s needs but has definitely run into hard times.

Tami’s cancer, appendiceal cancer, is very rare and not treated here in Utah.  Chemotherapy is not effective and common treatments are not helpful.  Tami is flying to Boston with the help of friend’s sky miles and money raised from her extended family to consult with a surgeon about her specific care.  WE can only hope and pray for the best outcome.

There are many people who know and love this family.  We are glad to be a part of their lives and look forward to helping in Tami’s care.  We pray that they will receive the help that is needed that we all may look forward to better times.

Respectfully yours,

Judy Porter

Marsha Weller

Lana Olsen

(sisters)