Our Story
MEGAN DENISE VESS 11/14/2001 - 05/17/2020
Megan "Doodlebug" Vess was truly an inspiration to everyone she encountered. She faced some of life's hardest battles but overcame every obstacle with grace, a smile, and concern for others.
Megan was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia in 2012 at just 10 years old. Treatment took her 9 hours away from home to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in Memphis Tennessee. Megan completed 3 years of treatment for Leukemia, which left her with life long side effects, which eventually led to a diagnosis of AVN (bone deterioration), and a genetic disorder that put her at high risk of numerous cancers. Megan endured extensive testing and treatment during this time. At age 15 she was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor called Glioblastoma, and given only 14 months to live. However, she was tough and determined. She fought and lived life to the very fullest for three and half more years defying all expectations.
Megan fiercely loved hunting, fishing, travelling, kayaking, and anything outdoors. She loved reading books in her hammock and heading to the ocean to dip her toes in the sand and salt water. Despite Megan's own struggles she had a huge heart and zeal to help other children facing unique circumstances and continued to do so.
On May 16th 2020, Megan received her full healing when she went to her heavenly home but she left behind her passion to live life to its fullest in every person she met. Her parents and the people she touched deeply are committed to continuing her legacy though the Live Like Megan foundation.
The Live like Megan Foundation
Live Like Megan was founded to provide Hope, Education and Opportunity to children with life altering circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, outdoor adventures such as kayaking, hiking, hunting and fishing trips; access and resources for clothing, furniture and food items; parties and room make-overs; and educational support to teach independence and safety skills.
Hoofprints For Hope -How it all Began
While Megan was at St. Jude Hospital, an organization visited with a little mini horse. This gave the children a reason to smile. From that day forward, Megan wanted to inspire this same joy in others. With this mission in mind, Megan founded Hoofprints for Hope, a non-profit for children facing life threatening illnesses. She took the horse to visit children, raised awareness for childhood cancer and much more. The foundation sponsored the St. Jude Affiliate Christmas Party each year and Megan continued to make children smile. A vision of expanding the organization to meet the needs of more children was in the works until Megan passed in May 2020. In her memory, her parents will now live her legacy through Live Like Megan Foundation.
- Amber Vess