I’m going to tell you what Virginia Steele means to me.
Several people kept telling me about this wonderful woman who has been with WINGS since the beginning. I finally got to meet her at their Polo charity event. After speaking with her for two minutes, I could tell Virginia was not only one of the brightest people I’ve ever met, but also one of the most loving and giving people I have ever had the pleasure to encounter.
Virginia was originally diagnosed in 1994 with a rare type of cancer. The cancer she has is usually diagnosed in people when they are 60 years old, not in their thirties. When she was diagnosed, she asked God to at least let her know her children and to let them know her. Twenty-two years later, it is obvious God held up his side of the request.
While Virginia still lives with the disease, she spends her days inspiring others by writing books to encourage people facing cancer and speaking with them about their personal fight.
The main reason why we chose Virginia to be one of our honorees is that after 22 years, she has not grown bitter with having to face this disease. Virginia has become more loving and giving. She is the embodiment of human compassion in times of despair. Every time I talk to her I feel like a better person because the love in her voice just spills out into everything she does.
I thank you Virginia Steele for being a part of this journey with us. I thank you for helping me understand that while cancer can be a bitter pill to swallow, you can also find gratefulness through the disease by getting to meet so many wonderful people who change you along the way. You have definitely changed me for the better.