Family, Friends, Grief

Meredith would be 30 today

Thank you to everyone who left messages and shared their special thoughts and memories of Meredith. These are just a few…

Today is Meredith’s 30th Birthday. I am sure we would have celebrated at the UNC/DUKE game
tonight.  
We love you Meredith❤ – Mom 12809660_10206472653751168_7480868235469446277_n

Today is Meredith’s 30th birthday. Miss her so. – Dad

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Today Meredith would have been 30. I love this memory of when she would work with Chase on his dribbling in the kitchen. He adored her. Happy Birthday Merebear. – Lyndsi (sister)

 

Happy 30th birthday, sweet Meredith !! Watch over our Heels tonight! 💕🎈🎊 Courtney

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Happy Bday dear friend. This was during the first Peach Belt Tournament to be hosted at the convocation center. We put USCA on the map that weekend. Also, your 21st bday. – Lyv

Happy Birthday, Meredith!! Love you more. – Kendall

Sitting in the Dean Dome, waiting on the game and thinking about Meredith  who turns 30 today in heaven. Missing her and knowing “she lived for this”. – Laurel

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Happy 30th Birthday Meredith! I miss you so damn much but I am so grateful for the time I did have with you and even more proud to call you my cousin and A1 sister! See you soon… – Vanessa

3 years have passed but not a moment with Meredith has been forgotten. I miss my sister from another mister with her beautiful smile and soul ❤️ – Satu

Happy 30th Birthday sweet Meredith.. Beautiful memories that will never be forgotten .. Love & miss you 🌺 – Susan 

Happy Birthday Meredith in heaven. Prayers there will be a cure someday soon…We miss her everyday. – Sandy

Happy heavenly birthday sweet Mere. Love you bunches and miss you like crazy!! – ChristinaImage may contain: 2 people, people smiling, people standing and shoes

Happy Birthday Mert!!! Miss you and love you!! –Megan

Thinking of you – Elyse

Happy birthday gods angel. I miss you so much and love you. – Sasuke

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Friends, Melanoma

Never to be forgotten

It m20175_515416181518_3927406_neans so much when people continue to post and share pictures of Meredith.

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Our new friend and amazing warrior Kristi!

Recently, an incredible woman from California, a melanoma warrior herself, has been turning her personal Facebook page into a melanoma awareness tool.  With some 2,400 followers, the amazing Kristi has created albums for melanoma warriors and melanoma angels. Last night we were very touched to see her feature Meredith on her page https://www.facebook.com/kristi.nyhuis/posts/10205566746901551

45712_1464938539490_5915164_nThank you Kristi and everyone who keeps Meredith in their thoughts!

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Faith, Family, Friends, Grief

February 24, 2015

“While reading Meredith’s bible she had underlined:

2 Peter 5:6-7, 10-11
5 Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
6 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

I find this for the first time on the night/day I needed to hear from her the most. NOTHING is a coincidence. God knew I needed to see this. He and Meredith are watching over us as she celebrates her 1st birthday in heaven.” – Robin

“One year ago today I laid beside my baby sister as Jesus took her home. In her short life she taught me so much about faith, strength and love. She was an inspiration to anyone who met her and I will miss her every day until I am reunited with her one day in Heaven. I am so proud of our family and how we have continued to stay strong and celebrate her life, but please continue to pray for us as being without her will always be difficult.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7″ – Lyndsi

“It’s one year since my best friend went to heaven. I think about her everyday, and she visits me in the most random ways; most recently, in my dreams, always holding my hand. We don’t say anything, we just sit and hold hands. I miss her, but I know she’s not far, and I most definitely know that I’ll see her again. #24” – Paige

“Thank you for everything you did in my life. You taught me so much more than basketball and you did it all with a smile. You were there for Chris when he needed a friend and I can’t thank you enough for that. When I wanted you to meet my friend with the same condition as you you welcomed her with open arms. You were an amazing warrior. Always with a smile. You made the world a better place” – Brittany

“Do you ever have those reoccurring memories about someone at the same time, every time you do an activity? I cut my leg shaving when I was going to meet Meredith for lunch one day and I remember telling her about it. Now every time I shave my legs (silly, I know.) I think about her. I am so grateful for that. Meredith went to heaven a year ago today but her soul lives on in people like me she touched. We miss you and can’t ever bear to forget you.”- Kelly

“Today marks one year of when the strongest person I know, Meredith, went to Heaven and is now our guardian angel. She lived life to its fullest and fought harder than anyone can imagine. She was a winner on and off the court and never gave up hope. She taught us all–what really matters in life and how to always be courageous. ILYTG #24” – Maria

“A year has passed, but not a day goes without cherishing the moments we had. Love and miss you our guardian angel Mert – #24″ -Satu

“When someone you love dies, you never quite get over it…You just learn to slowly go on without them… but ALWAYS keeping them tucked safely within your heart. It’s been a year Mert and I am pretty sure your the best guardian angel out there. I miss you” – Jordon

“How has it possibly been a year already… I miss you so much but know you’re always nearby. Your strength and faith continue to inspire me every day. Miss you 24!” – Jen

“A year ago today I lost one of my best friend’s….Mere you are missed more than you know. We love you and miss you…..I know you are doing great things up above! Praying for the Legg’s and their family. #24” – Adam

“I cherish every memory we had and am so thankful for the sister-like friendship we shared. There’s never a day that passes that I don’t think about you. You are my role model, my inspiration, my best friend & I miss you so much. I love you Mere, happy heavenly birthday” – Chelsea

“Can’t believe it’s been one year… What we would do to hear your voice, receive one of your hugs or share a laugh with you. So thankful for the wonderful memories until we meet again. Forever etched into our hearts. Missing my girl” – Janet

“One year ago today heaven gained the most beautiful angel and one of my best friends. I will never forget all that you taught me and continue to teach me. Thank you for all the laughs and memories. See you again one day, Mere! One year down, a lifetime with our Savior to go!! Praying for you today” – Bailey

 

 

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Faith, Friends, Wedding

October 20th

2 years ago today was the happiest day of Meredith’s life. Two beautiful, loving people were married in the site of God and all of their family and friends. We fondly remember that wonderful October day and Meredith and Christopher’s joy.

Anniversary

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Basketball, Blog, Faith, Friends, Grief, Melanoma

So many people

419218_10100605678008337_688238754_nMeredith was an inspiration to so many people. Whether it was because of her brilliant smile, her amazing talents on the basketball court, her faith and devotion to God, her love of her family and friends, or how she handled and bravely battled a terrible disease, Meredith left an indelible impression on everyone she met (and even countless of people who never had the pleasure of being in her remarkable presence).

Having touched so many lives, it is not surprising that Meredith was a muse for bloggers and photographers and  many other creative folk.  How grateful we all are to have these lovely tributes to help us commemorate this wonderful young woman:

Points Pondered Blog

Emily Elrod Photography 

JJ Horton Photography

Hannah’s Hope

Black is the new Pink – Fight Melanoma

A Salute to Young Melanoma Warriors

The Cupcake v. Cancer

Keeping up with the Kolls

Strong Enough 

David Cornfield Melanoma Fund

 

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David Cornfield Melanoma Fund, Dear 16 Year Old Me, Friends, Grief, Melanoma, video

We remember Meredith

On February 24, 2014, our dear friend Meredith Legg Stapleton passed away at the age of 26 from ocular melanoma (OM).  We met Meredith when she kindly donated her time to travel from South Carolina to Toronto to film Dear 16 Year Old Me.  The minute we met Meredith, we knew we were in the presence of someone very special.  With her gorgeous smile, sparkling eyes and charming Southern accent, Meredith stole our hearts.

This Hall of Fame basketball player was a beloved and respected figure wherever she lived but particularly, in her University town of Aiken, South Carolina.  She held many records including all- time leader in scoring and sinking the most three-pointers in one game career  – just to name a few. In addition to her success on the court, Meredith achieved academic and career success and was popular with her classmates and colleagues.

Diagnosed with OM when she was just 22, Meredith was determined not to let this serious illness stop her from living life to the fullest and chose to use her illness to help raise awareness. When she participated in the filming of Dear 16 Year Old Me in 2011, her OM had spread to her liver, but you would never have known it from her energy and enthusiasm.  She was so excited to be part of this project and like us, never dreamed of the worldwide attention it would garner.  Meredith shone in the video.  Numerous people reached out to her to express their admiration. Many others told her that she had motivated them to get checked and their lives had been saved through early diagnosis and successful treatment.  As in her everyday life, Meredith was an inspiration to countless young people – showing fierce determination, zest for life and quiet courage and dignity.

To know Meredith was to know a whole community of people who loved her.  We were so fortunate through Meredith to get to know her incredible parents, siblings and friends. It was not surprising that Meredith was raised by and surrounded herself with people who were as genuine, kind and lovely as she was.

In October 2012, Meredith married her high school sweetheart, Christopher Stapleton – a truly wonderful man.   Again, Meredith took this opportunity to raise awareness, appearing in the TLC show “Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta” and speaking bravely about her melanoma with her mom, sister and best girlfriends by her side.  Meredith’s wedding was on a lovely fall day, befitting this stunning bride. It was a privilege to all those present to watch these two young people, so obviously in love, exchange their wedding vows.

Enjoying newlywed life, Meredith tackled her cancer bravely – participating without complaint in any available treatment that her tireless parents and healthcare providers could track down for her. When all treatment options were sadly exhausted, Meredith faced this final journey with the same spirit that she had lived her whole life.

Surrounded by those who loved her, Meredith passed away on February 24, 2014, just a few days before her 27th birthday.  Our thoughts are with her family – her beloved husband Christopher, her devoted parents Basil and Robin, her sister and brother-in-law, Lyndsi and Rick, her brother Trey and her darling nephew and nieces, in addition to her countless friends and admirers.

We love you Meredith and you will always be in our hearts and thoughts

by Elyse Sunshine and the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund

 

At their May 2014 event, the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund dedicated this video to Meredith.

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